Supermarket giant Morrisons sees Banff bid refused

Plans to build a new Morrisons supermarket in north-east Scotland have been unanimously rejected by councillors.

The retail giant wanted planning permission to construct a store at Banff's Canal Park, part of which is held by Aberdeenshire Council as common good land.

In 2021, the local authority agreed to sell the site subject to court approval.

However, Morrisons' planning application was turned down by members of the Banff and Buchan area committee, after they heard a report from council officials which raised technical concerns over access, flooding and drainage.

There had been more than 180 objections - as well as more than 180 submissions of support - over the proposals.

Canal Park has been at the centre of a lengthy planning battle since 2008, when rival operator Tesco unsuccessfully applied to build a store there.