PLANS have been submitted for an Aldi supermarket in Dunoon which could bring dozens of jobs to the area.
Avison Young Ltd have made an application for planning permission for the site at 3 Hamilton Street to Argyll and Bute Council.
A website on the proposed development has said it would offer many economic benefits for Dunoon, including a £9.7million investment in the local area and up to 35 new full-time jobs.
Documents submitted with the application show photos of a building on the site which is proposed to be demolished as part of the application. The plans also include a car park for 90 cars and 10 bicycles, along with alterations to the existing access point from Hamilton Street.
Council officials are expected to rule on the application by mid-June, with the public now able to view plans and submit feedback.
A planning and retail statement submitted with the application said: “The site layout balances local context with Aldi’s operational needs. The design aims to create a sensitive, practical arrangement that suits both the surroundings and the store’s functional requirements.
“The main entrance area to the Aldi store will be located at the northern elevation of the building, with a customer lobby located at the northeast corner. It is from this new customer lobby where a new pedestrian link is proposed to Argyll Street.
“The northern elevation comprises the shopfront, with glazing included providing views and daylight into the store. A canopy is provided over this elevation to deliver an attractive façade and an inviting draw for customers.
“This has been deliberately located to maximise its active frontage to the open parts of the site to the north.”
The statement added: “These proposals represent a significant investment by Aldi and are a sign of their long-term commitment to the local area and will provide a new convenience retailer for shoppers in Dunoon, where the current provision is limited.
“The scheme will enhance consumer choice by meeting day-to-day food retail needs on a localised basis and will give rise to considerable benefits in terms of promoting social inclusion and facilitating sustainable travel patterns. The proposals will also seek to reduce leakage and retain expenditure within the local area.
“Added to this, it is important to acknowledge that the foodstore will contribute a range of good quality, flexible retail positions which are within walking distance from the surrounding residential area.
“An Aldi foodstore of this scale would typically employ up to 35 FTE (full-time equivalent) members of staff.”
The website, set up to consult the public on the project, also said: “As customers continue to look for better-value brands to help make their money go further, it is important that residents have access to a wide range of shopping facilities.
“Aldi remains fully committed to investing in Argyll and Bute. With just one existing store in Oban there is clear potential for further investment and expansion across the region. We are actively exploring opportunities to bring new stores to key towns, including Dunoon.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 26/00574/PP. The consultation website remains available at aldiconsultation.co.uk/dunoon
