Concerns are raised over Gairloch Co-op plans
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Developers seeking to drive through controversial plans for a supermarket in Gairloch have hit a potential roadblock.
Highland Council transport officials are recommending refusal of Whiterow Properties’ application to build a Co-op, describing aspects of the proposal as “wholly unacceptable”.
The transport team raised road safety fears and also demanded more information on a host of road and access-related issues.
The new supermarket would be located on a greenfield site just west of the village’s McColl’s Store, at the junction of the A832 and B8021.
The building would feature a 5000 square feet retail unit, at least 25 parking bays, a service yard, a 3727 sq ft sales floor and an ATM.
The application’s original determination deadline was March 31, but the decision, to be made under planning officials’ delegated powers, has since been delayed.
In their consultation response, transport officials raised a number of concerns.
It stated: “This application, for a new retail unit, is accessed from the A832. The transport planning team is unable to make any comments on the layout of the proposed development at this time as there is insufficient roads related information submitted with the application.
“Notwithstanding this, (we) wish to object to the current layout as the proposed arrangements for servicing the retail unit from the public road are wholly unacceptable.
“Although the transport statement states that deliveries will take place before 7am and outwith school opening and closing times, this restriction is unenforceable and deliveries would be able to take place at any time.
“The on-road loading bay will create a number of road safety issues including unacceptable risks to pedestrians, plus the potential for HGVs and lorries manoeuvring and reversing within the public road.
“A revised layout is required that provides a facility within the site for deliveries and servicing the store.”
Officials also want a fully dimensioned drawing of the site including dimensions of footways and spaces within and bounding the site, the size of car parking bays, width of access road and other dimensions.
The submission added: “The layout should also provide covered cycle parking for staff and give consideration to providing dedicated spaces for motorhomes.”
The proposal has split opinion in the village with some supporters citing jobs and increased retail choice while others are concerned about the impact on existing retailers and the tarnishing of scenic views.
