Popular plans for a new Aldi in Macduff have been scrapped after Tesco launched a legal fight against the rival supermarket.
Aberdeenshire Council granted permission for the discount store last year.
It came after hundreds of locals supported the prospect of a cheaper weekly shop.
But Tesco, which has a branch nearby in Banff, recently launched legal action against the local authority in a desperate bid to stop the German operator opening up.
The Court of Session, Scotland’s highest civil court, has now ruled in favour of Tesco.
That means the plans have been “quashed”, and can no longer proceed.
Council confirms plans ‘cannot be implemented’ as Aldi ‘disappointed’
Aldi had promised 35 new jobs as part of the project, which received “unprecedented support” from people in the area.
A council spokesman today confirmed the outcome of the judicial review, which will leave scores of locals dismayed.
He said: “It means the planning permission previously awarded by Aberdeenshire Council for the development has been quashed and cannot now be implemented.
“We are in discussion with Aldi about the planning options available to the company.”
An Aldi spokesman added: “It is extremely disappointing that we will not be able to open our new store in Macduff later this year, especially given the overwhelming support we received for the proposals.
“We are currently reviewing the decision before deciding how to proceed.”
Decision comes after hundreds blast Tesco for legal challenge
Since we revealed details of the legal wrangle, more than 1,600 outraged residents have backed an online petition calling for Tesco to drop the legal challenge.
Those signing have blasted bosses for their “brass neck” in halting the plans.
Callum Allan said the major brand’s attempts to waylay their rival were “disgraceful”, and others said the area “badly needs” an Aldi to help with budgeting.
Appalled to hear that @Tesco have submitted an eleventh hour appeal against the new @aldi in Macduff, Aberdeenshire. The new Aldi store has overwhelming support from local shoppers. Tesco are purely doing this to prevent competition. No thought of customer needs.
— likegold (@likegold8) February 2, 2023
What happens now Macduff Aldi plans have been axed?
Aldi had been hoping to complete the £3.3 million project to get the supermarket up and running by the end of this year.
The retailer could submit another planning application for the Duff Street site, which could again be approved by Aberdeenshire Council.
But it would be open to Tesco to again challenge that decision at the Court of Session.
Tesco, which has also taken measures to object to rival outlets opening elsewhere in the UK.
But bosses insist their concerns are always based on “material planning matters” – such as the impact on the environment – rather than concern about their own profits.
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