Co-op objects to plans for £15m Tesco supermarket in Stonehaven

The Co-op has objected to plans for a Tesco supermarket on the edge of Stonehaven for a second time over fears it would have a negative impact on the town centre.

Bosses at The Co-operative Group believe the New Mains of Ury store proposed by Ashfield Commercial Developments would harm trade for local businesses.

The retail chiefs previously hit out at the last application for a Tesco store on the outskirts of the Mearns town back in 2024.

And it seems that those same concerns still stand two years on as refreshed plans await determination by Aberdeenshire Council.

Artist impression of the proposed Stonehaven Tesco store Ashfield Land

In a letter sent to Aberdeenshire Council, the firm notes it is a “key stakeholder” in Stonehaven as it has a store on Market Square and David Street, which they say is a “retail anchor” for the town.

And Co-op chiefs stated they have “significant concerns” with the proposed retail development.

The objection said the new supermarket “will cause significant harm to the vitality and viability of the defined town centre”.

They also worry that Tesco would take shoppers away from their own stores.

Co-op bosses noted that the new supermarket would be located around a mile away from its David Street site.

They believe that due to this close proximity, it is “entirely logical” that Tesco would have a “very significant impact” on the town centre store.

The retail chiefs added: “There is no question that the proposed supermarket at New Mains of Ury would draw much more than 2% of its trade from the Co-op store at David Street.”

But bosses at The Co-op noted the new Tesco wasn’t the only threat to the town.

Their letter added: “The prospect of an Aldi and M&S Simply Food at The Ury Estate together with a Tesco at New Mains of Ury would have significant adverse impacts on Stonehaven town centre.

“Aberdeenshire Council considered a proposed supermarket development on the application site and concluded that such a development would be ‘irresponsible’ and could not be supported.

“Previous decisions made by Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Ministers regarding out-of-centre food retail development in Stonehaven have been clear, and the proposal would undermine the council’s position.”

Their opposition comes as Ury Estates also lashed out at the planned Tesco store over fears it would harm its own developments nearby.

If approved, the proposed £15m supermarket would be built on land next to the AWPR and could create up to 100 jobs.

The proposed New Mains of Ury scheme also includes a cafe or restaurant unit and an 18-space EV charging hub.

Developers previously submitted plans for the supermarket but councillors refused the application last August.

However, determined to see their project come to life, bosses went back to the drawing board and came up with fresh plans for the shop that were lodged last month.