Home improvement chain Wickes is set to open its doors in Westhill later this year after plans for a new store in Arnhall Business Park were approved by councilors in the Garioch Borough Commission on Tuesday.
The site which has long been earmarked for commercial use as part of Phase 3 of the overall site development was originally marketed as three smaller plots with a view to setting up offices.
However, the diversity of the park has seen businesses welcome to the area including McDonald’s, Starbucks, Screwfix and Tollstation.
Developers Knight Property Group said in a statement: “There is clear demand for a home improvement store in Westhill and this proposal meets that criteria.
“The building on the site has been planned in such a way as to optimize commercial potential, create a pleasant place to visit for clients and occupants of the building, and at the same time – through numerous consultations with relevant stakeholders – meet all requirements arising from the various site constraints.”
Westhill and Elrick Community Council objected to the proposal on its impact on businesses already established in the area.
The retailer was previously located on Hutcheon Street in Aberdeen, but closed after being bought out by Focus Do It All leaving the nearest branches in Inverness and Dundee.
Council members at the meeting raised many inquiries about the proposal, most notably about the range of items the store carried and also raised the issue of the potential impact on other local retailers.
Planning officials indicated that a retail impact survey had been conducted and that restrictions were in place.
They also pointed out that there are no alternative or suitable sites for such development in the town
The motion was then passed unanimously.
Committee members also approved plans for an electric vehicle charging station adjacent to the Wix store that will see 12 high-powered charging points, to be powered by Ionity Additive.
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