Short-sighted Dundee planners could stunt the economic growth of Lochee if plans for a multi-million-pound Sports Direct shop and gym are refused, it has been claimed.
Sports mogul Mike Ashley has set his sights on the former Venue nightclub, at the Stack Leisure Park, which has been vacant for the past 10 years.
However, local traders are urging councillors to oppose their own planners’ recommendation and approve the £5 million development.
Paul Smith, chairman of the Lochee Traders Association and owner of Granada Cafe, said the council could risk putting off other investors at a time when the area is struggling.
He said: “I think the council is completely out of order.
“It reflects badly on the council with other organisations that are thinking to come in to the area.
“If they notice they have not backed other developments they might go somewhere else.
“If the gym comes up here someone else might see potential in opening their business here.
“We should be looking forward to businesses coming to Lochee.
“It will be a boost to the local economy and it’s something we don’t have in Lochee at the present time.”
Dundee City Council has invested huge sums to regenerate Lochee, which has struggled to compete with the city centre.
The proposed site is within the Stack Leisure Park which is undergoing redevelopment as a retail park with current units including Home Bargains, Aldi, Gala Bingo and the Range, many of which were welcomed by councillors.
Mr Smith said as well as the traders, many customers have voiced concerns about the council’s recommendation to refuse the plans.
He said: “People are very angry that the council is against that type of development going there.
“It’s taken us years and years to get development at that site.
“I’m not saying it is going to enhance the High Street by any great degree but it wouldn’t make things any worse.
“The regeneration they have done up until now hasn’t done much good.”
As well as investment in the area, the project would secure almost 100 jobs for the area, and former Dundee West candidate Michael Marra said: “Dundee badly needs jobs.
“Local people want to work and will be bewildered as to why the council are taking this stance.”
Councillors on the city development committee will vote on the proposal on Monday.