Monday September 21st 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Scottish Borders Council has been asked not to determine a bid to relocate a village Co-op store until further information is made available.
Plans have been lodged for a new supermarket on Station Road in West Linton, which would replace the existing store on the town’s Main Street.
Final plans were lodged last month following three years of discussions and design work.
West Linton Community Council formally agreed to object to the relocation plans, following a public meeting earlier this month at the Graham Institute.
Members voted six votes to one to object to the new Co-op “as it currently stands”.
A spokesperson said: “This was not a simple decision and it should not be interpreted as opposition to a larger or improved Co-op.
“There are real potential benefits: a bigger and more accessible store, a wider range, better parking and easier deliveries.
“Our concern is the proposed location and whether the wider consequences of moving the Co-op from the village centre to this site have been adequately assessed and addressed.
“In particular, we have concern about safe and practical pedestrian access, including for older and less mobile residents; pedestrians and vehicle safety on Station Road; the combined effect of the development on neighbouring residents and the possible consequences of removing an important source of everyday footfall from the village centre.”
Some of the concerns were also raised by Scottish Borders Council at the pre-application stage and Roads Planning has subsequently required further information from the applicant concerning walking accessibility.
The WLCC spokesperson added: “Our objection is to the application as it currently stands.
“We are asking SBC not to determine it until the outstanding issues have been properly assessed and the necessary further information is available.
“If further information and proposed mitigation satisfactorily address our concerns, WLCC would welcome the opportunity to consider them and review its position before the application is determined.
“We recognise that residents hold different views about this proposal.
“The community council’s role is not simply to count supporters and objectors, but to consider the planning issues and available evidence and reach a collective view.
“Individual residents can, of course, continue to make their own representations directly to Scottish Borders Council during the consultation period.”
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