COUNCILLORS ARE expected to back plans for the multi-million-pound revamp of Perth’s Caithness Glass when an improved design is unveiled next Wednesday.

The development control committee initially welcomed the proposals at a meeting in September. These involved demolishing the existing 1970s building and replace it with a “retail parade” of seven units attached to a smaller glassmaking plant, with 300 parking spaces.

Despite being contrary to the local plan and possibly the structure plan, the development received the backing of council planners and councillors.

But the original design of the complex was considered “insufficiently prestigious for a prominent gateway or destination site”, particularly as its primary function would be to attract tourists.

A number of changes have now been made to the plans and planners have recommended that councillors approve the revised proposals. The plans pre-date the takeover of Caithness Glass in October by the Devon-based firm Dartington Crystal.

The takeover secured the “vast majority” of the 60 under-threat jobs at the site, which had been plunged into receivership, but remains one of Perth’s prime tourist attractions.

Backers had previously warned that failure to dramatically alter the site could spell the end for the firm in Perth and the new owners have continued to advance the plans, in conjunction with A&L King and the Kilmartin Property Group, the developers behind the plan.

Yet councillors were not impressed with the computer images of the development and insisted the final design be brought back to them before a brick can be laid. Now council planners say outstanding design issues have been addressed.

The largest unit will be a scaled down version of the Caithness Glass operation, with a manufacturing glasshouse, gift-shop and restaurant. The remaining retail units will be geared towards the tourism sector.

The building design has been altered and improvements made to the car park and tree planting.

Head of development standards Ian Sleith said, “While the relatively minor improvements that have been made have not delivered a building of especial merit, they are sufficient to create a meaningful and practical form and to make the development more visually interesting.

“I am persuaded that the quality of architecture, layout and landscaping is now appropriate to the location and for the proposed use.”