widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Business / Sandwick Co-op gets green light from planners

Photo: Malcolm Younger for Shetland News

A CO-OP store in Sandwick has been given planning permission.

In its decision notice, Shetland Islands Council’s planning service said the shop would “contribute to the viability of the existing Sandwick settlement and will promote employment opportunities”.

The Co-op plans to build two new stores in Shetland – one at Stove in Sandwick and another at East Voe in Scalloway.

But the proposals provoked strong concern that they would they have a negative impact on the existing local retail and wholesale sector – potentially leading to job losses.

The Stove store for instance is located just metres away from the Sandwick shop.

The location of the proposed Co-op in Sandwick. © Google 2021

But the decision notice reiterated that the planning system in Scotland “does not protect the interests of individual businesses that are likely to be in competition with one another and therefore the representations in objection in regards to this would not constitute a material planning consideration”.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

The planning service ruled that overall the proposal is “considered to be in accordance with the [Shetland Local] Development Plan and there are no material considerations which would outweigh the proposal’s accordance with the Development Plan”.

The two stores in Sandwick and Scalloway would result in an investment from the Co-op worth £2.4 million.

Around 40 new full and part time jobs would be created between the two.

They would be similar in size to the Brae Co-op.

As of Friday afternoon the planning application for the Scalloway shop does not yet have a decision.

The national retailer also has a larger supermarket in Lerwick.

Alastair Ness from the store’s property developer Seamount said: “We have engaged extensively with the local community and other stakeholders throughout the planning application process and I’d like to thank all of those that took time to respond to the consultation.”

He added that a local company would be appointed to carry out the construction.

“We anticipate that construction will begin in the new year with the store welcoming customers by Christmas 2022/early 2023.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.