Frustrated Dundee shop owners have warned plans to open a new retail unit within a revamped community social club could sound the death knell for their businesses.
Proposals have been lodged to create a new store, beauty salon and car park next to Downfield Social Club.
The social club, located on Balgowan Avenue, is part of Downfield Football Club.
Businesses located on nearby Haldane Avenue are strongly opposed to the creation of a new retail development.
Shop owners insist hundreds of locals have joined them in voicing their opposition to the plans.
If the proposals are approved, it’s claimed up to 10 new jobs could be created.
Local shop owners however believe the potential development will have a “detrimental impact”.
Karen Elder, the owner of Karen James Hair and Beauty, said: “I’ve been here for 15 years. When I first came here this was an empty unit.
“It was just brick walls, there were wires hanging down and there were old tiles on the floor which we lifted off.
“There’s only one empty space in this row of shops here now. The area is thriving. The planning application says there are no other shops in the local area, but that’s not true.
“They say that 10 jobs will be created, but more than 10 people will suffer if the store and salon open. I would definitely suffer.”
Jodie Aitken, the owner of Cosmo Takeaway, located next-door to Karen’s business, said: “I’m in danger of losing my business.
“In a one or two mile radius there are six takeaways. There are only so many customers to go round. There’s no way you can sustain it.
“We don’t need any more takeaways round here. The original plans said there will be 10 jobs created. Well, if the plans do go ahead, we’re in danger of losing more than 10 jobs.”
Bobby Sharma, who has owned a neighbouring convenience store for more than four decades, said: “I was the first business to open in this row and now there’s only one empty unit along at the end.
“There’s no doubt it (the revamped social club) will have a detrimental impact if it goes ahead.”
Alex Duncan, the man behind the application to open a new store and salon, said: “We’re looking to diversify into a beauty salon and shop.
“One side of our business isn’t doing that well, so we thought of opening a grocer shop. There isn’t one currently in the Balgowan area.
“I think competition is a good thing. Kirkton could do with a new shop.”
