A £2 million development which will create more than 30 jobs in Dumfries has been given the go-ahead.
The Food Warehouse, part of the Iceland group, is to convert two unit at Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park into a new store.
Planning committee councillors agreed with the recommendation of council officials to approve the bid on Wednesday.
NewRiver, which owns the retail park, submitted the application and sought to change an “outdated” planning condition which limited the site to sale of bulky goods only.
After detailing to councillors how they had vigorously marketed the units with no interested parties coming forward that condition was changed.
David Suttie, the council’s planning and development manager, said: “The loss of bulky goods provision can be justified in this case because of the marketing attempts that have proven to be unsuccessful and there is no interest.
“The market has changed because people tend not to buy bulky goods at retail parks now there’s more internet shopping.
“The positive side, the socio-economic benefits, is it will bring two vacant units back into use, it would provide about 30 new jobs.”
The two units, previously used by Storey Carpets and Poundstretcher, have a combined total of 1,164 sq m shop floor space.
The Food Warehouse will merge them into one retail space.
Conditions attached to the plans are for cycle parking at the front of the unit and that work starts within three years.
Mr Suttie added: “I think it is reasonable to attach the condition for cycle parking here by virtue of the fact the existing authorised use is for bulky goods.
“So with the best will in the world you’re probably not going to carry a washing machine on your back on a bike but if it’s a food shop you reasonably could. That’s why that recommendation has been put on here.
“That’s why it’s subject to approval subject to conditions.”
Councillors agreed to approve the plans subject to those conditions.
