A major expansion to a popular Broughty Ferry pub and hotel has been approved by Dundee City Council.
John Black, owner of The Fort Hotel, has been given permission to convert a vacant property at 48 Fort Street into a wine bar and residents’ lounge.
He said the completed project will be an “amazing addition” to Broughty Ferry.
The conversion will mean the Fort Hotel takes up nearly the entire length of the block between Long Lane and King Street, with the only other property another pub and hotel, The Eagle Coaching inn.
The Fort Hotel, a family-run hotel, bar and restaurant, has been a mainstay of Fort Street for years.
Owner John Black also runs the adjacent Italian restaurant Borgotaro.
In the planning application to Dundee City Council, lodged in July, the applicants claimed the property could no longer be used as residential accommodation, either as a self-contained flat or hotel rooms, due to the “intolerable” noise coming from the Eagle Coaching Inn.
It said: “The property is currently blighted by the use of the adjoining building, (The Eagle Coaching Inn), as a hotel which generates noise to an intolerable level.
“This renders the application premises entirely unsuitable for residential use, either as an owner occupied property or as a residential let.”
Ironically, the council has only approved The Fort’s application on the proviso it adheres to strict noise limits.
It states that any music or amplified vocals must be controlled so they cannot be heard within any neighbouring properties, such as any homes behind the development.
Mr Black has said he wants to create a “high-end” venue that has a capacity of 40.
Although billed as a residents’ lounge, it will be open to the public.
The Eagle Coaching Inn has given its backing to the plans.
Mr Black said: “Now planning has been granted we apply for the licence and start detailing the drawings.
“We are hoping to start work ASAP but it may take a while to complete as there is a lot individual items that will be hand crafted here and abroad.
“With the Wine bar being only 40 capacity it has to have the ‘wow factor’.
“This will be the bar to complete our row and will be an amazing addition to the ever increasing popularity of Broughty Ferry.”
