Village chicken sheds could make way for new Co-op store
It says its current site in West Linton does not allow it to sell the products it would like to.
Village chicken sheds could be cleared for a new Co-op store
Co-op said its current site in West Linton was limiting the products it could sell
Plans to relocate a convenience store in a Borders village, involving the demolition of three chicken sheds, are being put forward for approval.
The Co-op said its present site on Main Street in West Linton was not suitable for a "high quality shopping environment" and wants to build purpose-made premises on Station Road.
Submissions to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) have been divided between supporters and objectors, with the community council against the plans because of concerns about the effect on the village centre.
Planning committee councillors are being advised to approve the scheme as a "small-scale neighbourhood retail unit on brownfield land".
The application, which is due to be discussed at a meeting on Monday, seeks permission to demolish the chicken sheds, create an entrance and construct a store with 26 parking spaces.
More than 90 representations have been submitted, with 51 backing the proposal and 40 opposing it.
Those in support said it could create more jobs, improve retail choice and enhance road safety by moving away from the centre of the village.
Opponents, however, questioned the traffic advantages of the new site and expressed concerns about the "potential harm to the vitality and function" of the centre of West Linton.
The Co-op said its existing shop did not have enough space for stock storage, had "cramped" staff facilities and that customers wanted a wider range of products without needing to leave the village.
It said the only way to deal with the "ongoing operational challenges" was to move to a new site.
A report to councillors said the "planning balance" was in favour of approving the proposal, subject to conditions.