The planning authority looks as if it is playing monopoly with our town.

Does it not know that Somerfields closed in Westhill when Tesco was allowed to build there? Does it think it will be any different here?

Has the planning authority not looked at the current supermarket and seen that it is totally under-utilised? A footfall survey will show that it is not attracting customers. It will close if Tesco opens, the town cannot support two supermarkets.

Is the planning authority not responsible for ensuring the best use of our environment? Is approval of another building and acres of tarmac good for the environment and does it enhance Banchory?

Banchory needs a good supermarket and there is a building in a good location, with good road access, which needs to be increased in size to make it viable.

Whoever owns the current supermarket should be allowed the right to extend the current building to improve its commercial viability.

Any extension should be in keeping with the structural architecture of the existing building. It can incorporate all the latest energy-saving devices to make it eco-friendly.

The adjacent commercial properties to the east are an obvious area to extend into. With no disrespect to the owners, the buildings do not enhance the area. The Banchory Business Park, yet again approved by the planning authority, would be an ideal place for the businesses to relocate to.

If Tesco want the right to trade in Banchory they can negotiate to buy Somerfields, without the planning authority handing them totally unfair commercial advantage on a plate.

As an alternative, build the first stage of an Eco-Community Leisure / Sport Centre on the proposed Tesco site.

It doesn't have to be built in one go, it can be designed and approved and built in phases to allow structured financing.

The people of Banchory have long tried to get decent leisure and sports facilities and have been let down by the council and planning authorities for years – evidence the pathetic swimming pool and sports hall.

The developers of Hill of Banchory can be invited to contribute out of the profits they are making.

Tesco can be invited to contribute out of the money it will save from the proposed building and from future profits provided by the shoppers of Banchory e.g. use its proposed shopper bus to transport both young and old people to the facility.

The people of Banchory deserve effective planning.

Yours etc
Brian Seenan