Dundee planners have given a green light for go to the city’s first go-kart track.
Karting Ecosse director Ray Hooper welcomed the decision and revealed the new Fastraxx indoor racing centre could be up and running by March.
The company has been granted planning approval to convert an empty warehouse in the Gourdie Industrial Estate and the development is expected to create 30 jobs.
The company’s previous application for the site was rejected on the grounds it did not satisfy the city’s development plan.
That rejection was one of a series of failed plans for a go-kart arena in Dundee, prompting Karting Ecosse to warn that the difficulty finding an acceptable location could force it to turn its back on the city.
Mr Hooper has now expressed his delight at the council turnaround and expressed his gratitude to Courier readers for their support. We received many comments from readers arguing it was exactly the kind of job-creating leisure development the council should be supporting.
”We are delighted that the planning department have granted permission to open the new karting centre,” said Mr Hooper.
”We now have to revisit the terms and speak with contractors for a timescale for the construction work and we think that being operational by March 2012 will be in our sights.
”We would like to thank your readers for their support and we look forward to bringing this new attraction as well as jobs to Dundee.”
Rejecting the earlier application for the Myrekirk Road site, the council said the company had failed to demonstrate that it was the most suitable location for a go-karting centre and expressed concern that it was only readily accessible by car.
Before resubmitting its application, Karting Ecosse employed a planning consultant to convince the council that the Myrekirk Road site is the only feasible option for the track.
Approving the plan, the council’s planning department accepted that the development needed to be sited in an industrial location.
”The proposals will create jobs, generate investment in the existing tourist economy as well as provide a new leisure facility for residents of Dundee and surrounding settlements,” its report continued.
”The proposed go-kart centre will also further highlight Dundee as a regional centre for leisure and tourism in the east of Scotland.”