A petition urging the city council to reverse its decision to knock back a new Clark’s takeaway has gathered support from almost 500 people.
The beloved city bakery, which now has around half a dozen shops in Dundee, had submitted an application to open a new portable unit near the Myrekirk Roundabout at Kingsway West.
However, the plan was refused on delegated authority by the council’s planning department, who said the takeaway outlet would have a “detrimental” impact to the “character and visual amenity” of the area.
The bid would have seen two shipping containers — one for serving and one for cooking — set up in the vacant 1,400 sq metre site with associated car parking and electric vehicle charging points.
It would be situated directly behind a new Starbucks “drive-thru” and would be accessed via Fulton Road.
Customer Lylia Ferguson launched the petition in the belief that “lots of people think it’s a great idea” and to garner support for a well-loved Dundee business.
Jonathan Clark, the third generation owner of the family business which runs the famous 24-hour bakery on Annfield Street, spoke of his frustration over the situation.
He said: “We are trying to do something different — like the shipping containers they have in Shoreditch in London for example.
“I really think people want to see something else rather than just big chain shops.
“People coming in and leaving Dundee on the Kingsway would see a local business rather than the usual.”
He said he was “gobsmacked ” to see the response to the petition.
“It’s good to know we have support,” he added.
Operations manager Dan Bunce said the firm will appeal the council’s decision.
“We are going to discuss the situation with our lawyers next week and look at the next stages,” he added.
Gregor Hamilton, head of planning at the council, said in his decision notice that the application was not in line with the Dundee Local Development plan.
He said: “The proposed hot food take-away would have a detrimental impact on the character and visual amenity of the application site which is in a prominent position.
“The proposals would
result in an out of centre development and is at odds with The Town Centres First
Principle.”
The application was made on the company’s behalf by Peter Inglis Architects.
The West Gourdie Industrial Estate also contains a 24-hour Asda superstore, as well as a number of other businesses such as car dealerships.
