MORRISONS have pulled out of their supermarket site at Ury Estate.
The surprise news was revealed in an exchange between Stonehaven and District Community Council and the UK’s fifth largest supermarket chain – published in advance of tomorrow nights SDCC meeting.
In an reply to a request by chair David Lawman for an update on their proposals for Stonehaven, corporate affairs manager Liz Tattersley states: ”I regret to inform you that we have taken the difficult decision to step away from our plans and will not be pursuing the site further.
”Unfortunately, following extensive discussions and after exploring all options, we have not been able to agree terms with the developer. We have therefore concluded that the store plans are no longer viable.”
This disclosure by Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited comes just days after the publication of comments received in response to Tesco’s recent planning application for a store, restaurant and EV hub at New Mains of Ury. Both the Coop and Ury Estates Ltd objected to the proposals, with the latter indicating Tesco had bid for their site, but had ‘lost’.
Item 11 on the agenda
Meanwhile, an independent retail impact assessment commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council makes it clear one out of town supermarket would be good for Stonehaven – but not two.
How this latest move affects Tesco’s bid is perhaps unclear. Perhaps some light will be shed at the update on planning matters, which is on tomorrow night’s agenda for SDCC’s meeting at 7pm in the former court house.
Feature image – An artists impression is all that remains of Stonehaven’s hopes for a Morrison’s supermarket
