A crumbling Perth factory could be demolished if two city councillors get their way.
The disused ABP food processing plant on the corner of Strathtay Road and Newhouse Road in the city’s Letham area has been vacant for some time.
It was emptied in 2017 when the company spent £3 million on upgrading its Inveralmond base which specialises in the processing of beef.
The Letham site was left to grow derelict in the two years since. However, with major housing developments under way less than a mile away at Almond Valley and Perth West, concerns are being raised about the prospect of an eyesore building being left to rot on such a prominent site.
Perth City North SNP councillors John Rebbeck and Dave Doogan have called for the premises to be flattened and for the company to find a way to use the land more productively.
Mr Rebbeck said: “This is a prime location on one of Perth’s busiest junctions and it is simply unacceptable for the building to have become such an eyesore over recent years.
“Commercial property owners have a responsibility to their neighbours and the neighbourhood to make sure their property is not detracting from the area. This commercial site is adjacent to housing so the problem is even worse as the neighbours are tenants and residents.
“I have contacted ABP at Inveralmond who I understand own the building but have not secured a meeting to discuss how we can improve this situation. I will ask council officers to take this forward now.”
The site is earmarked for employment land in the council’s local development plan.
Mr Doogan said he would be open to the idea of converting it into homes, as has happened at the former 208 Pub site nearby.
He said: “I think the council needs to get involved in this as this building is now seriously detracting from the local amenity.
“I have received concerns regarding gulls locally and have worked constructively with B&Q to resolve this. This problem cannot be helped when birds can be seen entering this building with ease.
“I think councillor Rebbeck and I can support ABP to get this building demolished and replaced with an appropriate modern business premises which will assist their business together with residents’ outlook, visitors and the local economy.”
ABP did not respond to a request for comment.
