Sansec Developments want to demolish the existing car wash at 20 Bruce Street, pictured, and replace it with a Co-op food store and car park.
Planners are backing the proposal as they say it would result in the redevelopment of ‘a somewhat unsightly brownfield site’.
However, there have been some concerns raised locally with a petition and six objections lodged.
Fears include issues about roads and access, customer parking, the design of the new shop, the impact on neighbours and noise.
But there were also five supporters, who argue another shop is needed locally and it will avoid people having to travel to Lockerbie and Dumfries. They also believe it will improve the appearance of the area and create jobs.
The Royal Burgh of Lochmaben and District Community Council has decided to remain neutral on the matter.
They held a series of consultation events to ensure a full range of local views were heard.
And they say it was ‘mixed feedback’. The group now wants consideration given to concerns regarding traffic flow and management as the site is located on the very busy A709 Strategic Timber route; and the effect on existing local businesses which may offer similar products or services.
Various council departments have also been consulted and roads officers recognise the ‘potential impact’ on the A709 route. As such, they want waiting restrictions introduced on Bruce Street to deter inconsiderate parking and to aid vehicle manoeuvrability
Senior planners, meanwhile, are “content that the proposal includes a design which works well on the rather difficult site.
“The simple materials contrast rather than compete with the listed buildings alongside.
“The appearance of the proposal when compared to the fuel forecourt, using simple contrasting materials, is significantly more sympathetic to the setting of the adjacent listed building.”
Case officer Andrew Robinson has prepared a report to advise members of the planning committee, who will decide the matter next week. He said it was the most suitable site in the town and will “complement and enhance” the existing services in Lochmaben.
Mr Robsin does not believe there will be an adverse impact on the local roads network, nor upon the vitality and viability of Lochmaben District Centre.
He said: “It is considered that the proposal would result in a relatively small-scale retail development that would help improve the choice of retail provision in Lochmaben, reduce reliance on the need for local residents to travel to other areas for retail provision and would also result in the redevelopment of a somewhat unsightly brownfield site.”
