Midlothian's planning committee agreed it was minded to approve plans lodged by Aldi Stores Ltd for a new retail unit with 77 car parking spaces on vacant land off Eastfield Drive, Penicuik.

It is anticipated that the store, adjacent to Tesco and KwikFit, will also create a number of local jobs.

Aldi had lodged an appeal with Scottish Ministers as the planning committee had not considered the application within the statutory two month period. However, the company has indicated it will withdraw the appeal if consent was granted.

The store plans attracted 107 objections with the majority from residents or traders within or close to the town centre.
They fear that the retail development will take business from the town centre.

Midlothian Council's development control manager Peter Arnsdorf told councillors that although the proposed store was outwith the defined town centre, a sequential assessment had been carried out by the applicant considering seven sites within the town centre area.

All were found to be unsuitable due to size, transport links, access and topography.

In his report to committee, strategic services director Ian L Young said: "This proposal is supported from an economic development perspective in that it will help to address the leakage of retail convenience sales from the Midlothian area (estimated to equate to £26 million a year) and provides employment opportunities."

Midlothian Provost and Penicuik councillor Adam Montgomery said he was prepared to support the application although it was slightly outside the town centre.

"I think it is worth clarifying we did try and get this nearer or in the town centre but there isn't the space to have it there.

"Okay, it may be not right in the town centre but at least it is in Penicuik bringing more employment and a gap site is being filled up," he added.