New Scalloway Co-op is approved

Plans for a new Co-op in Scalloway have been approved by councillors.

But construction can only go ahead with an additional condition aimed at improving road safety in the area.

The news follows a lengthy hearing at Lerwick Town Hall on Monday afternoon.

It comes after long-running concerns about the potential impact the development could risk having on Scalloway – although officials say the risk to existing businesses can not be taken into account as part of the planning process.

Scalloway Community Council had raised a petition against the £1.2 million proposal, which secured 359 signatures.

Speaking at today’s [Monday’s] meeting, SCC chairman John Hunter insisted the objection was not about protecting industry.

“It’s the heart of the community that needs to be protected,” he said.

Shetland Central member Davie Sandison argued that a report before the planning committee provided “scant” details on how it complied with the development plan.

He added concerns highlighted by the Scalloway Community Council had not been properly addressed.

Mr Sandison called for an additional condition that a stretch of pavement on the opposite side of the East Voe road directly adjacent to the store be developed.

He was speaking after council convener Malcolm Bell warned fellow members not to be swayed by concerns held by existing retailers.

“This is a planning committee – it’s not a competitions committee,” he said.

“We can be very clear about that, and be very clear about the limits, because otherwise we open the authority up to an appeal.”

Mr Bell added: “Are we really saying that people in Scalloway shouldn’t have the same amenities, and the same choices as people in Lerwick? People in Brae? People in Sandwick, shortly?”

Mr Bell said that, as a Lerwick councillor, he had repeatedly heard complaints about services being centralised to the town.

“‘Why does the town get everything?’ Yet here we are, seeking – it would appear – to deny a rural area of Shetland enhanced amenities.”

Shetland Central member Moraig Lyall said she remained concerned about the proposal, adding it was important nothing was done which could compromise the future economic outlook of the area.

NO COMMENTS

Add Your Comment

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.