Battle to build new supermarket

Asda has been denied permission for a new store

A planning policy review to enable a supermarket to be built in Arbroath, is being demanded by Angus Council.

Three public inquiries have ruled Asda should not be allowed to open a store in the Westway retail park, because it is not zoned for food sales.

Local councillors said it was the only suitable site for a large supermarket, which is badly needed in the town.

They are to request a meeting with First Minister Alex Salmond to discuss the issue.

Angus councillors had hoped to amend their local plan to include food retail at Westway but had to back down after taking legal advice.

They recorded their dissent and agreed to take the matter to the Scottish Executive.

It is a digraceful breach of democracy. The will of the people is clear Councillor Bob Spink

Arbroath Councillor Bob Spink told the BBC Scotland news website the plans for a large supermarket had a great deal of local support.

He said "I am at a loss to understand why we can have MSPs, business organisations like the Chamber of Commerce, and Angus Council unanimous in wanting a new store on that site and we are being denied it.

"It is a digraceful breach of democracy. The will of the people is clear."

Arbroath already has a Morrisons supermarket, and Tesco has planning permission for a store in the Stobcross area.

Economic effect

However, Mr Spink said Arbroath was losing out financially because it did not have a major superstore.

He said "It is having an economic effect on Arbroath and the Tesco store will not be enough to redress the balance.

"There is a multi-million pound leakage of shoppers to Dundee and we had hoped to attract shoppers from Carnoustie and Montrose to Arbroath.

"Arbroath is the largest town in Angus with a quarter of the Angus population, but other towns have more stores and more retail space and I think it is unfair."

He added Asda could now take Angus Council to the Court of Session in an attempt to have the public inquiry decisions overturned.

An Asda spokesman told the BBC Scotland news website: "Whilst we are disappointed by the council's decision, we are encouraged by the overwhelming support for an Asda store both from elected councillors and from the people of Arbroath and Angus.

"We are in close discussions with MacDonald Estates as to the next stage of this development."