'Heated debate' in Wester Ross community over Gairloch Co-op store plans as locals split on potential impact of proposal
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DEVELOPERS seeking to build a new supermarket in Gairloch have responded to public concerns after the project stirred up heated debate locally.
Whiterow Properties is seeking permission to build a Co-op store on land just west of the village’s McColl’s premises, at the junction of the A832 and B8021.
The new 5000 square feet retail unit plan on the 0.77 acre green field site also features at least 35 parking bays, electric charging spaces, a service yard, a 3727 sq ft sales floor and an ATM cash dispenser.
The application will be considered under planning officials’ delegated powers with a deadline of March 31.
The window for public comments on the council’s planning portal has now been extended to March 9.
The proposal, which could create 16 full and part-time jobs, has stoked controversy in the Wester Ross village.
Opponents have raised concerns over the impact on trade for existing local businesses, noise levels during and after construction, lighting arrangements, road safety, and the possible loss of scenic views towards The Minch.
Agents Springfield Real Estate Management have now submitted new documents in support of the application including access and design statements and a boundary plan.
Full details on operational noise were still to be provided by the proposed tenants, the Co-op, but the documents stressed that noise management best practice would be followed.
Goods deliveries would avoid peak hours, arriving in early morning and late evening.
Loading and service operations would be kept separate from customer areas with specialised loading equipment and goods cages used by the supermarket along a small path to the service yard and store.
Photographic diagrams supplied to planners suggested there would be very minimal impact on views towards the west.
It stated that the site’s lack of views was the “driving factor” in choosing the store’s “sympathetic” location.
The access and design statement argues that the proposal will create a renewed sense of community, with a small community hub and garden, while broadening, rather than diminishing the range of local amenities.
It would also reduce unnecessary travel by removing the need for an hour-long journey to an alternative store of comparable size in Ullapool.
Other benefits, agents say, would include better walking and cycling pathways and an overall boost to the local economy.
At time of writing, the planning application had received six objections and two supporting comments, but there has been heated debate and opposing views on social media.
Gairloch Community Council is taking a neutral stance on the proposal but its submission to planners highlighted an "unusual" level of local debate and concern.
It stated: “Many in the community welcome a new retail development with its stated intention to create new jobs, but a section of the community is concerned about the economic impact on existing local businesses.
“There is a broader issue, namely that this new development will play a role in shifting the commercial centre of the village.
“As well as having an impact on local retailers, this may be to the general detriment of the tourism and hospitality industry in the village.
“Visitors are less likely to strike off the A835 and explore the area if all their basic needs are met through larger retail units on the main thoroughfare.
“There is the potential that this will lead to the closure of local businesses, including vital services such as the post office.”
The community council also highlighted road safety and visibility concerns at the proposed site, while also raising the need for parking arrangements.
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