Edinburgh councillors have approved a new Sainsbury’s store on a derelict site on Inglis Green Road, Longstone, after a major ‘people-power’ campaign.

The new 80,000sq ft ‘store on stilts’ is set to create 500 full and part time jobs, provide more choice for shoppers and assist in the area’s regeneration.

Despite a recommendation from the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning department to refuse permission to applicants Morbaine Ltd, members of the Development Management Sub Committee voted 9-3 to approve it on Wednesday [March 23].

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The decision came following a petition in the Longstone area in favour of the application, which attracted around 500 signatures. In addition, Longstone Community Council had firmly backed the proposals, which will regenerate the former B&Q site and adjacent vacant industrial units.

Morbaine director Alex Brodie said: “This decision is a victory for common sense and local democracy.

“Local people in the Longstone area have been right behind this project from the start and even collected a petition of 500 names in support which they submitted to the council.

“We’ve stressed all along the powerful economic arguments behind this new store. It will create 500 full and part-time jobs for local people and regenerate a derelict site that’s been lying empty for years.

“In voting overwhelmingly for the store, members have shown that they have listened to these arguments and the voice of the people.”

(GK/KMcA)