Planning permission has been granted for a new out of town supermarket and petrol station on Skye.
Highland Council’s planning, development and infrastructure committee unanimously backed plans to approve the new development at Home Farm Road in Portree.
Rubicon Land lodged the plans jointly with Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association and will now seek an operator for the development.
The plan was deferred in September – along with a second supermarket – by members of the north planning applications committee in order for further an assessment to be made into the potential impact on existing shops in Kyle, Broadford and Portree.
But a notice of amendment to approve the Rubicon plan only was lodged with the strategic committee by eight councillors.
Findings published in a report put before councillors yesterday suggested that the new store could take away between 12% and 18% of the existing stores’ turnover.
Councillor John Gordon, Skye, said the new development would be a “huge boost” for residents of the town and the north of the island.
However, Mr Gordon said that competition would be welcomed on the island.
He said: “There was dismay from people when the plan was deferred back in September.
“While I’m not a great believer in out of town developments, people want another supermarket and this will be a solution for the people of Portree and north Skye.”
The development would be built on land previously zoned for 27 houses as part of the Home Farm residential development.
Colin Taylor, of Rubicon Land said: “Getting commitment from a supermarket operator has been difficult due to the confused planning picture in the town.
“The decision today sends out a clear and unambiguous signal to operators that the Portree community does indeed want a supermarket, and this is the site for it.”
The planning application for a second supermarket has been lodged by Oatridge Ltd at Staffin Road, close to the Rubicon site.
That application is currently “pending consideration” in Highland Council’s planning system.
Oatridge could not be contacted last night.