Dundee City Council has been accused of ignoring the wishes of more than 1400 people who have signed a petition against a multi-sports complex in Caird Park.
The area has been identified as the best location for the £21 million the Regional Performance Centre for Sport.
The council has already stated “there are no material considerations that would justify the refusal of the application” but the project has attracted criticism.
A spokesman said the reason the online petition cannot be treated as “valid representation” is due to a lack of postal addresses and signatures for those who have “signed” it online.
Before a vote on Monday, trade unionist Jim Malone has condemned the plans as “half baked” and accused the council of presiding over a “vanity project”.
He said: “It’s disappointing and not surprising. It’s been an absolute fiasco ever since it was announced back in September 2014.
“For the council to say they (those who signed the petition) don’t matter flies in the face of democratic process. Over 1000 people have said they don’t want it and they’re ignoring that.
“This all reflects very badly on council officers and the councillors we elect to represent us. There are so many issues and still so many questions. This is a vanity project.”
Mr Malone believes Dundee already has sufficient sporting facilities and does not think the regional centre is necessary.
He further feels resident’s questions over a number of issues to do with the development have consistently gone unanswered.
Petition creator Amy Paterson described the council’s decision as “frustrating” and said campaigners believe the decision to build in Card Park is a “done deal”.
Ms Paterson said: “It’s very frustrating.
“Surely they have to take into consideration that more than 1400 people don’t want this. A lot of people are already feeling defeated, they feel like this is a done deal. It just feels like we are still hitting the same walls.”
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “Interested parties have the right to submit any representation within the period allowed for this on the appropriate notice or advertisement, usually 21 days; and may have the opportunity to speak at the development management committee.
“Online petitions are not admissible because in order to be valid, a representation has to have a name, address and signature.”
