Steady progress at the former Homebase store in Portlethen. It is being transformed into an Aldi store which is due to open later this year.

They have permission to split it into two. Here is the background.

On 28 July 2020 Aberdeenshire Council granted full planning permission for elevational changes, unit sub-division and minor car park works to Unit 1, formerly Homebase, at Portlethen Retail Park.

These units were originally approved in 1985, and until the year before Unit 1 was occupied by Homebase. Adjacent retailers include Matalan, Argos and the B&M Home Store. The ASDA supermarket is located at the opposite side, with its remodelled petrol filling station, and McDonalds restaurant/drive-through in the intervening car park.

Specifically the proposal was to sub-divide the unit to create two retail units and involves both internal and external alterations including:

• Removal of existing canopy at rear of unit and formation of external yard area;
• Formation of entrances to units 1a and 1b and an entrance canopy at 1b;
• Creation of 10 disabled and 14 parent and child parking bays;
• Re-cladding of south-east elevation and partial re-cladding of south-west elevation;
• New external doors, glazing and signage zones on south-east elevation;
• Existing roller shutter door and canopy and existing glazed doors on north-east elevation to be removed and clad over with vertical wall cladding panels in colour and profile to match existing;
• Formation of three fire exit doors and one proposed loading door on north-east elevation; and
• Removal of two existing external doors on north-west and opening closed with cladding to match existing. Third door on north-east elevation to be replaced with new door and installation of side panel.

There was only one objection to the application.