Looks like it’s over for underground superstore dream
AN underground supermarket designed to blend in with its surroundings has failed to win the backing of city planning officials.
Supermarket chain Aldi had planned to build its first Edinburgh store on vacant land on Chesser Avenue, in a scheme backed by local residents and community leaders.
The German firm, which is also drafting plans for a store in Leith, designed the store to be “sunk into the ground” to avoid spoiling views of the area from neighbouring homes.
But councillors have been urged to turn the scheme down after planning officials ruled that it would still remove a “valuable area of open space” and would overshadow the listed Corn Exchange facade.
Community leaders today said they were “disappointed” with the recommendation, and urged the council to approve the scheme.
Harry Sutherland, chairman of Hutchison and Chesser community council, said: “Most people living in the area were delighted with the plans and were very supportive of having this store here. If this kind of development isn’t allowed, then what will go there in its place?
“It would be awful to see it stay as neglected land or a faceless garage or car park.”
Under the plans, shoppers would enter through a glass-fronted area at ground level before taking escalators down to the main store. A sloping, grass-covered roof had also been included in the proposals, which the supermarket firm said would make it all but invisible from certain angles.
But in a report to the council, the city’s head of planning, Alan Henderson, said the development would be “unacceptable”.
He said: “This proposal is not for a community purpose and there would be a significant impact on the character of the local environment if the site was to be developed. The proposed layout and design attempt to address concerns regarding the impact on the character and appearance of the site, given its proximity to several listed buildings.
“Nevertheless, the building and the large tarmac area and lighting associated with the car park would be visible from a number of viewpoints and have a detrimental impact on the listed buildings.
“These proposals [will] damage the character of the area.”
The 1.4 acre site had previously been used by John Swan Ltd for grazing when it operated its cattle market next door. The new store had been expected to create 15 new jobs for the area.
Andrew Craig, the firm’s property director, said they still hoped the scheme would be granted when it goes to the city’s planning committee next week. He said: “We have worked very hard to ensure that the design proposals for this store development are both sustainable and sympathetic to the surrounding environment and preserve the view for the neighbouring buildings.
“We have consulted widely with local residents, councillors and the community council throughout the planning process, and have had an overwhelming support, particularly from local residents. We await the outcome of our planning application with interest.”
Councillors will decide whether the grant the scheme permission at a meeting next Wednesday.
