A proposed Tesco Express has received permission to go ahead, despite objections from residents and fears for local businesses.
Iain McMillan, councillor for Johnstone South and Elderslie, confirmed in a recent Facebook post that “planning permission has been given to allow the old Chinese buffet on Main Road, Elderslie, to be converted into a supermarket.”
The site, at 238 Main Road, has been disused since the Layang Chinese restaurant went out of business. Though Cllr McMillan did not name the supermarket, drawings on the planning portal reveal ‘Tesco Express’ signage.
The planning application - reference number 23/0714/PP - received 25 public comments, of which the overwhelming majority objected to the proposal, with only a single respondent supporting it.
Amongst the 23 objections, the most common concerns related to the impact on existing local businesses.
Lindsay Brown objected on behalf of the Elderslie Wallace Foundation, saying the new store will “destroy small businesses in the area.”
Elderslie resident David McFarlane commented: “The Tesco Express does not get my support at all. We should support local businesses all the way and stop these corporations killing off high streets.”
James Drummond, another Elderslie local, felt similarly, saying that “the proposed retail unit would add no benefit and in fact would negatively impact existing business, which are mainly locally owned.”
Long-time resident Kevin Kerr also objected, saying that “a conglomerate should not be allowed to muscle its way into a well-sustained village".
He added: “I'd prefer money being kept locally rather than funnelled to shareholders of a corporate monster.”
Richie Kelly, owner of the nearby Butchers Steak & Grill restaurant, questioned how Tesco found out about the site’s availability.
“Why wasn't the availability of this venue made known to local businesses who may be looking at the possibility of expanding? How did Tesco know this was available?”
He added in resignation, “I know the big boys always win and this will go ahead regardless of local objections.”
The sole supporting comment came from Anne Gambrell, another local, who felt the store would improve accessibility.
“As someone with limited mobility, unable to drive, the ability to access a facility such as this would increase my sense of independence,” she said.
“It would provide retail and ATM facilities for those unable to walk to the existing shops, and provide choice for those who live along this part of the Main Road and who do not drive.”
Cllr McMillan told The Gazette that he had “mixed thoughts” on the proposal.
“On one hand, it’s great that a major supermarket is coming to the village, which will mean more choice for local people,” he said. “It will create some employment, it will create a bit of buzz about the village centre.
“But on the other side, there are already two existing supermarkets in the village, and you worry about the impact it will have on them, as well as on the other local businesses.
“So it’s 50/50. Yes, it’s good for the village, great to see a major player like that coming into the village. But for the existing businesses, you’re a bit concerned.”
Despite the fears for local businesses, planning documents relating to the proposal say the conversion from restaurant to retail unit is “permitted development” - in other words, permission is not required.
Instead, the proposal was seeking permission for external alterations, such as new signage, air conditioning units, and the addition of an ATM.
“The Planning Authority has no remit to challenge the proposed change of use or consider the likely impacts of the change of use,” documents confirming the approval state.
Cllr McMillan confirmed that, in his view, proper procedure had been followed.
“I know some people are annoyed and frustrated by it, but certainly on planning grounds the council have not done anything wrong,” he said.
“In terms of planning, you can’t knock a proposal back just because there’s something similar along the road.”
Full details of the proposal can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/4v4fd5xr.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here