TESCO'S new £8.75 million superstore in Pitlochry is scheduled to open early next year, it has been revealed.
This week Perth and Kinross Licensing Board unanimously granted a provisional licence for the supermarket, which is still under construction.
The Bridge Road store is expected to create 75-100 jobs when it opens its doors in January/February 2027.
Planning permission for a supermarket to be developed on the site, opposite Blair Athol Distillery, was originally granted to Sainsbury’s in 2011. According to Perth and Kinross Council (PKC), planning permission was for the land not the developer and Tesco is now developing the land, according to the permission already in place.
A PKC spokesperson said: “Planning permission for a supermarket at Bridge Road in Pitlochry was approved in 2011 and work began onsite in 2014, prior to the expiry of consent.
“Once a material start has been made, the planning permission remains extant and applies to the land, rather than the developer involved. As such, although Sainsbury’s decided not to proceed with the development, Tesco is developing a new supermarket in accordance with the previously agreed planning permission.”
On Wednesday, July 1 councillors on the Perth and Kinross Licensing Board were asked to grant a provisional licence for the 27,000 square feet store, which is still under construction.
Presenting the application, on behalf of Tesco, licensing lawyer Audrey Junner said: “Planning permission for this site was originally granted way back in 2011, when it was actually owned by Sainsbury’s, so there has been plans for a supermarket in Pitlochry for a very long time so I think it’s much anticipated here.
“The developer is currently working on building the shell. It’s still very much a building site and, if we’re successful today in obtaining the licence, the fit-out of a Tesco will take place with the anticipated launch date probably January or February 2027.
“The store itself will be a Tesco superstore format – a standard-sized store.
“It represents an investment of roundabout £8.75 million and the creation of approximately 75-100 jobs within the store.”
There were no objections to the licensing application. The provisional licence was unanimously approved – subject to conditions – by the Perth and Kinross Licensing Board.
Following the meeting, Highland Perthshire ward Conservative councillor John Duff – who sits on the board – said: “I’m glad to see that construction is progressing and, when it opens, it will be another asset for the community.”
