AS EXPECTED, councillors last week gave the green light for Pinnaclehill to host Kelso's first major supermarket, writes Andrew Keddie.
The former industrial site, which Sainsbury's will develop, has been selected over nearby Spylaw Farm, where Tesco had ambitions for a superstore, in Scottish Borders Council's Local Plan.
"We are thrilled the council has backed the overwhelming c
hoice of residents," said Paul Miller, Sainsbury's development surveyor for Scotland.
"We believe this is the right store for the right location and look foward to moving ahead with our plans to bring Sainsbury's quality food range to Kelso."
Mr Miller confirmed the firm was on target to open in 2009. Before that, detailed proposals would be put on display for public scrutiny.
The site saga concluded on Thursday when councillors unanimously backed Pinnaclehill for inclusion in the planning blueprint. It had been favoured by Scottish Government Reporter Richard Hickman after he presided over a two-week public inquiry into the options at the end of 2006.
The site was also supported by the town's chamber of trade, amenity society and community council.
A survey commissioned by Sainsbury's showed 95 per cent public backing of their plans, while Tesco claimed that 63 per cent of written comments it received after a series of local exhibitions supported Spylaw.
The full article contains 221 words and appears in Southern Reporter newspaper.
