A controversial restaurant/pub – set to be built on the outskirts of Perth – could boost the local economy by £1.23 million and create more than 30 jobs – it has been claimed.
National pub chain Greene King’s revised proposal for the restaurant, which will be named the Farmhouse Inn, has been officially lodged with Perth and Kinross Council, and it includes an economic impact statement regarding the scheme, which will be built on land at the Broxden Business Park, Perth.
This document states that the development will “deliver a range of benefits to Broxden” and claims it will provide 33 full-time jobs, and inject £3.2m into the Scottish economy, of which £1.23m will go to Perth and Kinross.
The economic impact statement also states that a further nine full-time jobs could be “generated,” with four of these being local to Perth and Kinross.
“The proposed development will contribute to wider economic and social aspirations in Broxden and wider Perth and Kinross,” the statement, compiled by Edinburgh-based Turley, says.
“It will bring investment into Broxden that will deliver a range of economic benefits to the local area of Perth and Kinross and the wider Scottish economy.”
The statement continues: “Specifically, it is considered that the development of a pub/restaurant will enhance the attractiveness of Broxden Business Park to investors and future occupiers by providing a high quality food and drink establishment.
“It will boost the range of consumer offer and drive additional footfall.
“Greene King has a partnership with Job Centre Plus, so all vacancies generated will be advertised through the local Job Centre Plus in Perth. Greene King has a commitment to employ and train local people to work in the proposed development where possible.
“This will increase employment, wealth and onward expenditure in the area and contribute to a prosperous local, and wider, economy.
“There remains a considerable supply of economically active unemployed persons aged 16 to 64 seeking employment in Perth and Kinross alongside a strong policy requirement to generate more jobs locally – and particularly those suited to the skills of local residents.
“The proposed development will strengthen the role of the business park, which provides important benefits for the wider community, and potentially lead to further investment from other businesses.”
The plan has had a chequered history with the original plan for a Costa Coffee drive-thru and Hungry Horse eatery knocked back by council chiefs back in 2014. However, this was appealed in August last year and controversially approved second time around despite opposition from some councillors.
Revised plans for the restaurant are lodged but the proposals for the drive-thru facility will be submitted separately. The two outlets will provide more than 90 parking spaces and it’s envisaged the Farmhouse Inn will have a play area for children.
However, local Councillor Willie Wilson, said he was still “totally opposed” to the “unnecessary” plan.
“The world has moved on a lot since the original application was submitted,” he said.
“They should be retaining part of the site for high-value jobs. There are appropriate facilities that exist within five minutes’ walk or two minutes on the bus.
“There is the Harvester, Esso, McDonald’s and the Cherrybank Inn, which has just had a major extension, all located nearby, and it provides an excellent service.”
