McDonalds restaurant approved on A96 site
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New branches of McDonald’s and Starbucks in the north-east at a roadside development at Huntly have been approved by councillors
Just over a year ago Aberdeen-based developer West Coast Estates (WCE), in partnership with Deans of Huntly announced the proposals for the new business park called Linnorie.
The roadside development will encompass a food hub and a super-fast electric car charging station just off the A96 opposite the existing Asda store and adjacent to the mart on the A97.
Addressing the Marr area committee senior planning office Neil Mair said: "There is merit in supporting this application as a departure as it is well suited to the site and the benefits outweigh the negatives.
"The A96 and A97 need recharging places and this provides that connection for journeys Aberdeen to Inverness - ties into the associated food provision during the charging cycle.
"It is a logical location next to the trunk road network and a justified use for departure from policy.
"Key representations were over pedestrian safety that doesn't conflict with A96, this includes a new footpath and a new enhanced crossing point for A96, staggered over the distance.
"The majority of comments were supportive, and those that weren't a lot of points raised were over pedestrian and road safety issues along with town centre impacts.
"Transport Scotland have confirmed these as addressed including a signalled crossing point and the town centre impact has been done - it is finely balanced but we are content to support it."
Iftikar Ali Mian for developers Aberdeen based West Coast Estates addressed the councillors and explained: "We work in retail roadside arena and have entered into joint venture with Deans of Huntly.
"All occupiers who you have previously seen identified have signed up already so this is not a speculative development.
"We have spent over 12 months on this engaging on providing information and gathering feedback for the plans.
"Overwhelmingly there has been support for the project - over 80 per cent (of over 400 responses) were in support.
"The key theme is that there will be choice, both here and within the town and with what we call dwell time during charging of EVs, the on-site facilities are important."
Debating the proposal councillor Jeff Goodhall commented : "I appreciate it is a fine balance, but it will have affects on the town centre which we can't ignore.
"I am very concerned on the affect on town and don't want to see Huntly being 'doughnuted' round the town centre with retail and food businesses to the exclusion of itself."
Fellow councillor Lauren Knight said: "I endorse this especially with the signposting to the town centre and amenities that the town offers.
"My only concern left in the air is that the (Gordon) school is in the town and the effects of lunchtime with kids gravitating to this so the crossing needs to be correct."
Chair of the committee Robbie Withey said: "I am also supportive of this having heard the presentations.
"My concerns were also over the crossing, but they have been put to rest as it has to be done before the units are in place.
"Likewise with EV chargers that have to come first, we're not going to be left with two takeaways with no crossing and no chargers and credit goes to the planners and developers in making this the case and I can support it with that in place.
"I think it will be a benefit for the town, I don't see a situation where McDonalds will be competing as it's a different offering to what is already in Huntly.
"School children will have a fair walk, how many actually make it is debatable, but its no real difference than them walking to Asda for their lunch.
"On balance there is far more positive impacts from this."
Motion to grant as per was made by Councillor Withie who added: "Job opportunities for young people in particular in both Huntly and Alford where I live are essential and without integrated transport, this is going to provide them."
Seconded by councillor Knight, the decision was approved unanimously.
Commenting after the decision Iftikar Mian, West Coast Estates Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the green light from Marr Area Committee and the overwhelming local support for our proposals for Linnorie, Huntly.
“Since submitting our planning application earlier this year, we have worked closely with the Council, statutory consultees and the local community to help bring our plans to fruition. The groundswell of encouragement underscores our belief in the project’s merits and it’s significant positive impacts.
“We endeavour to commence construction during the course of 2024 and look forward to welcoming customers to our brand-new roadside development thereafter.”
Bill Dean, owner and managing director of Dean’s of Huntly, added: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming local support and the Council’s decision to approve our vision for Linnorie.
"The groundswell of community support reaffirms our unwavering commitment to amplifying local investment fostering job opportunities, and revitalising Huntly’s spirit.”
The new business park is projected to create around 100 local jobs and employment opportunities during construction with work expected to commence next year.
