Local retailer objects to new Asda c-store at EG site

A plan for a brand new type of Asda store in Glasgow is facing objections.

A petrol station is to be demolished to make way for a newly built Asda On The Move (AOTM) shop in Bearsden Road.

It would be a smaller “neighbourhood convenience store” – used for topping up shopping or buying food to go. If the new unit gets the go-ahead it is understood it would be the first Asda of that design in Scotland, with some already operating in England.

A planning statement submitted to the council said the development would “enhance the range of shopping facilities within the local area” and the site is “accessible by a range of modes of transport.”

It will have a floor area of 245 square metres, 11 general parking bays, two mobility spaces and two electric vehicle places.

The proposal from applicant and landowner EG Group has sparked more than 20 objections to Glasgow City Council.

Jaswinder Lalli, of local shop Keystore More Temple on Fulton Street, said his business is “already providing the neighbourhood convenience that Euro Garages are proposing 160 metres from our store.”

He said: “My family and I currently run a number of stores in the area and have done for over 20 years. We have put our heart and soul into building a family run business.

“We pride ourselves on providing a personalised service and through recent lockdowns provided a home delivery service to the elderly free of charge. I hope this conveys the commitment we have to our local community. We have recently invested £60,000 on redeveloping our store which resulted in being able to provide an increase to our 3,000 extensive product range on offer.”

Mrs K Mac said: “Bearsden Road is already very congested with traffic and surrounding side streets would be affected by overflow parking from the new Asda and in turn affect traffic flow on these streets, posing further risks to drivers and pedestrians.”

As well as worrying about the plan causing further congestion, John Mckechnie said: “There is a Morrisons literally a two minute walk from the site and further along a big Asda on Milngavie Road.  We do not need another pop up mini supermarket – all this is doing is putting pressure on the little guys who have been supporting the local community for 20 plus years. This would have a detrimental effect on their livelihoods big time.”

A transport technical note lodged on behalf of the applicant said the development would cause less traffic.

It said: “No changes are proposed to the existing access and egress sites to A739 Bearsden Road.”

It added: “A trip-generation assessment has been undertaken which demonstrates that the proposals, would result in a significant reduction in vehicular activity during peak periods. It is therefore considered that the redevelopment would have a beneficial impact on the operation of the local road network as vehicle movements associated with this site would be significantly reduced.”

EG Group has submitted the planning application to Glasgow City Council. The site is currently occupied by a Switchback Shell Service Station, which is “well used by the local community,” according to a planning statement.

Commenting on the objections, an  EG Group spokesperson said: “We have been operating a petrol forecourt station and retail convenience store since acquiring the Bearsden Road site in Anniesland, Glasgow, a number of years ago. Before submitting a planning application, we extensively reviewed the proposed investment and carried out extensive market research into the surrounding area.

“To this extent, the site already operated a retail convenience store and we will look to continue this local community provision through an Asda On The Move branded concession with a view to extending the consumer offer and choice. An important consideration to note, our proposed investment involves the removal of existing fuel retail infrastructure, which in itself will help alleviate road congestion and traffic in the area, as vehicles will not be stopping to fill-up. However, the site will include two new electric vehicle charging points, in line with our agenda to roll out modern charging facilities throughout our estate.

“As part of our proposed investment, we recognise the issues raised and will continue to listen and work constructively with all stakeholders involved in this plan. EG Group is committed to engaging with the council’s executive and members to ensure the proposed investment delivers additional value to the local area.”

Asda previously announced it would be opening 200 AOTM sites by the end of this year, as the supermarket entered into the convenience market in partnership with EG in October 2020, opening the first three stores in the Midlands.