Wickes set to open its doors in Westhill
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Home Improvement chain Wickes is set to open its doors in Westhill later this year after plans for a new store at the Arnhall Business Park were approved by councillors at the Garioch area committee on Tuesday.
The site which has long been designated for business use as part of Phase 3 of development of the overall site was originally marketed for three smaller plots with the intention of offices being built.
However the diversification of the business park has seen retail including McDonalds, Starbucks, Screwfix and Toolstation welcomed into the area.
In a statement, Knight Property Group the developers said: "There is a clear demand for a home improvement store in Westhill and this proposal meets that criterion.
"The building has been planned on the site in such a way as to optimise the commercial potential, and to create a pleasant place to visit for the customers and building occupiers whilst at the same time - through several consultations with the relevant stakeholders - meeting all the requirements arising from the various site constraints."
Westhill and Elrick Community Council had objected to the proposal over the impact it would have on businesses already established in the area.
The retailer previously had a presence on Aberdeen’s Hutcheon Street but it closed after being bought over by Focus Do It All leaving the nearest branches in Inverness and Dundee.
At the meeting councillors raised several queries over the proposal, most particularly over the range of items carried by the store and also raised the question of potential impact on other local retailers.
Planning officers pointed out that a retail impact survey had been carried out and that there were constraints in place.
They also pointed out that no alternative or suitable sites for a development like this were available in the town
The motion was subsequently passed unanimously.
Committee members also approved plans for an electric vehicle charging station next door to the Wickes store which will see 12 high-powered charging points, to be operated by Ionity added.
