Shops development delay

DOUBTS have been raised about plans for a supermarket and housing development which could create hundreds of jobs and fill a gap site.

A 60,000 square-foot Morrisons in Hutchison Road has been delayed, while community councillors received correspondence indicating that the new food store could be reduced in size.

Harry Sutherland, chair of Hutchison and Chesser community council, said: “The council has written back requesting clarification. It’s frustrating – we want it to be as big a shop as possible, for convenience, and we want there to be as many jobs as possible.”

However, the developer denied there was any uncertainty over the project’s future.

Alastair Dickie, development director of Ediston Properties, said: “A delay has resulted due to the signing of the section 75 planning agreement and we are endeavouring to start onsite with the 60,000 square foot retail development and 113 residential units this year.”