TWO shops are planning to open in Haymarket Square, with planning applications put forward for Tesco’s and Pret A Manger.
Pret has set its sights on multiple areas in Edinburgh already as a new location opened this week on Leith Walk following the opening of another shop on Bruntsfield place earlier this year.
The proposed supermarket is set to be a Tesco Express in a block that is currently used as office space.
The nearest Tesco’s to this plot is just 0.3 miles away, about a six minute walk, and the nearest existing Pret A Manger is 0.6 miles away, or a 14 minute walk.
Applications for both planning proposals were submitted last month and are currently awaiting the council’s decision.
Though the deadline for comments on the Tesco’s application passed this week, locals can still have their say on the Pret A Manger documents until next Friday.
Some have been expressing their opinions to local MP Dr Scott Arthur, who shared the proposals on social media this week.
Many were annoyed at the potential addition of Tesco in the West End, as one user said: “There is already (sic) so many Tesco & supermarkets around this area.
“It will be killer for small retailers.
“Edinburgh council really needs to think before they give permission to them .”
Another commented: “Another sandwich shop which has no benefits to the locals.
“Higher prices than the bigger stores and limited choice. A joke.”
And a third complained: “Yet another small expensive store that really only benefits students as it doesn’t have the quantity or quality of goods required for families.
“Can just see the traffic jam when the delivery trucks pull up in Morrison St.”
Regarding the plans for a new Pret A Manger, which already has ten other locations in the Scottish capital, users said: “What a shame… another chain because they are the only ones who can afford the rents.
“Very sad and progressively making the city soulless…Support independent local businesses”
Another replied: “I love how these big brands get all the space, all the rights over local up and coming business men and women !
“We can not barely get on without the say so of these companies!”
Another reminded residents: “There’s wonderful independent cafes, restaurants and other shops all along Dalry Road.
“What do we need this generic chain for? Support Edinburgh businesses not just any business.”
