Meldrum Motors could be turned into grocery shop

Plans to transform the Meldrum Motors garage in Oldmeldrum into a new convenience store have been unveiled.

Arul Palaniappan is seeking planning permission from Aberdeenshire Council to convert Meldrum Motors into a Premier shop.

The proposed retail unit on Urquhart Road would stock chilled and frozen goods, as well as other cupboard and household essentials.

Planning documents reveal the shop would have a ‘Beer Cave’ and ‘Soft Drinks Cave’ for customers to enjoy.

They also show that the proposed Premier store would open daily from 6am to 10pm, if it is given the go-ahead.

What would happen to Meldrum Motors?

The garage building is just off the A947 Aberdeen to Banff road.

If approved, existing windows at the premises would be replaced while a new sliding door would be installed on the store front.

But motorists will be glad to learn that the petrol station will remain open despite the changes to the garage building.

The proposal would also result in eight car parking spaces being created for customers visiting the shop.

It is believed the site would operate similarly to the New Elgin Service Station which is also owned by Mr Palaniappan.

The Moray location has an Esso petrol station as well as a Premier store.

What does the Oldmeldrum garage offer?

Currently, Meldrum Motors sells cars and offers other motoring services including MOT and vehicle repairs.

A jet wash is also available along with air and water machines, while a small shop offers visitors a limited supply of goods.

The garage previously hit the headlines back in July 2024 when a car was stolen from the premises.

[Source: Press and Journal]