Outrage after Macduff Aldi plans dropped as court finds in favour of Tesco

There was outrage from local residents this evening after it emerged that plans for a new Aldi store in Macduff will have to be scrapped.

Rival retailer Tesco launched a legal fight against the decision by Aberdeenshire Council to grant permission for the store, despite having no presence in the town themselves, with their nearest store being an outlet in Banff.

Aberdeenshire Council granted permission last year for the proposal at a currently unoccupied site, much to the delight of locals and those from the wider area.

But Tesco, in desperation, took the case to the Court of Session, Scotland’s highest civil court.

The decision has been confirmed by Aberdeenshire Council, meaning the development has been quashed and cannot now be implemented in its current form.

Discussion are however taking place between Aldi and Aberdeenshire Council on options which could include a new application.

The full judicial decision has not yet been published, but the outcomes are expected to be made public as several other cases involving disputes between retailers sites including in Aberdeen and Dundee have been.

In other news: Tesco to seek compensation for losses if Inshes roundabout plans go ahead

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.