The Scottish Executive has approved IKEA’s plans for a 24,500 sq m (263,724 sq ft) superstore at Braehead near Glasgow. The consent was granted in the face of widespread opposition.
Glasgow council approved the retail giant’s planning application for the store earlier this year, but as a matter of procedure had to refer the application to the Scottish Executive. The store will be situated next to Braehead shopping centre, south of King’s Inch Drive, Glasgow.
Plans for the scheme have previously met with opposition from Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and West Dumbartonshire councils because they believe the scheme to be contrary to the Strathclyde structure plan. They also feel the scheme fails to address the NPPG8 planning guidance requirements on town centres and retailers.
IKEA announced plans earlier this year to build another 20 stores over the next 10 years in the UK. Work will begin immediately on the Glasgow store, which is due to open in autumn 2001.
EGi News 14/11/00
