New Co-op shop approved for Fife town, creating 18 jobs

Agents acting for the firm say the new store will create four extra full-time jobs and up to 14 part-time roles at Auchtermuchty.

The chain has a store on the high street but this will close and existing staff will move to the new unit, with the extra roles helping to support the larger store’s expected rise in demand.

“The proposed relocation of the existing Co-op to the Low Road site will deliver significant investment to Auchtermuchty and help to sustain existing jobs and create new additional jobs due to the larger store size,” a statement from the agents said.

“Taken together, this all serves to demonstrate the Co-op’s continued commitment to Auchtermuchty and the wider Fife Council area.”

Auchtermuchty’s new Co-Op will replace the now-closed Burnside Auto Centre on Low Road and will have 20 parking spaces outside to reduce congestion on the high street previously associated with the old store.

Having reviewed the application, Fife Council concluded that the 277 square metre store was an acceptable proposal for the area.

Case officer Andy Taylor said in his handling report that the new Co-op would be an “attractive replacement” for the garage.

Taylor was happy with the chain’s suggestion that it would make deliveries at 9am on most days to reduce the risk of disrupting local residents.

He approved the application with conditions attached requiring the Co-op to make all 20 parking spaces available prior to opening the store and to ensure visibilty splays were created at the exit onto the main road.

It will also be expected to make one of the parking spaces a charging point for electric vehicles, and will also be required to adhere to strict noise limits between 11pm and 7am each day.