THE Co-op have pulled out of coming to Lochmaben but assurances have been given that another “major retailer” will be coming in.
The burgh’s community council chairman Colin Davidson this week reported that the developer (Sansec Developments Ltd) had advised that the supermarket chain decided not to proceed with opening a new store at 20 Bruce Street.
However, Mr Davidson confirmed that an alternative client is taking up the option of the site – but he couldn’t divulge the new store owner at this time.
He said: “In simple terms, the Co-op won’t be coming to Lochmaben.
“On the other hand, another major retailer will be coming but at this moment in time I can’t say anything more as it’s subject to some legal matters that need to be sorted out. It sounds as if it’s likely to go ahead.
“From what I understand after speaking to developers about it, it could be signed in the next week or so.”
Mr Davidson added that it’s anticipated that work on site may start by the middle of this year.
Sansec Developments Ltd were given the go-ahead by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning committee in December to construct a new store.
However, before agreeing the planning permission, councillors discussed concerns locally about the impact of a new supermarket on road safety, highlighting the amount of traffic already using the A709.
And members of the public attending Lochmaben’s community council meeting on Tuesday night asked Mr Davidson if the planning process would have to start again.
Mr Davidson responded: “All that’s happened is that another company is going to use the site. All the planning conditions have to be adhered to but there might be some changes in design but that’s all being taken care of by the planning authority.
“That’s the latest and it’s just to make sure we keep the community up-to-date with everything that’s going on.”
Sansec Developments Ltd could not be reached in time for deadline.
