ALDI has expressed “disappointment” after a proposed new store on Kirkintilloch Road was refused planning permission by East Dunbartonshire Council officers.

Plans for the store, announced earlier this year, met with what the company describes as “overwhelmingly positive” public feedback during consultations. It was expected to require up to 35 staff as well as providing work in construction and logistics.

The site is currently operated by fire safety and engineering company Kentallen Group, which is seeking to relocate elsewhere in East Dunbartonshire.

Aldi’s managing director for Scotland, Richard Holloway, said:  “We are disappointed that Planning Officials at East Dunbartonshire Council have refused our application for a new store at Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs.

“Despite this we are confident we have put forward a robust planning case, coupled with public support, including from Bishopbriggs Community Council. We have had positive discussions with the council throughout the process and will now take time to reflect on the decision before deciding our next steps.

“If consented the new store in Bishopbriggs would be our second store in East Dunbartonshire following the huge success of the opening of our Milngavie store late last year. As well as bringing increased choice for shoppers, the proposals will provide up to 35 new jobs locally and a significant investment.”

EDC received 25 items of correspondence about the proposed store. Of these 16 expressed support including one from Bishopbriggs Community Council, and there were six objections including letters from Morrisons and Asda.

A report, explaining the decision to reject this application before it went to the planning committee, states that the proposals to build a new store would contravene the local development plan as the site is not zoned for commercial use, and that retail developments must support town centres, and that numerous other aspects of the plan do not comply with local policy.

Further, Aldi would be required to pay out developer contributions in excess of £1 million to support regeneration in town centres.

The report concludes by citing inappropriate use of land zoned for industrial use,  failure to comply with transport policy by resulting in overprovision of parking spaces, and traffic safety issues concerning access to the store along with nearby Dalkeith Avenue and Westerhill Road.

Aldi has until February 2021 to decide whether to lodge an appeal with the council’s Planning Local Review Body.