A café and takeaway outlet for Perth is being recommended for approval by the council despite a flood of objections.
The controversial plan to transform a newsagents/convenience store into the eatery in County Place has resulted in 36 letters of objection.
The majority of opponents state there is no need for another “eating place” in this area of the city.
A report drawn up by Anne Condliffe, Perth and Kinross Council’s interim development quality manager, states the proposed café and takeaway would be located in the Perth Conservation Area. And she alludes to the number of residents who are against the change of use application.
Her report states: “There have been some concerns raised about the number of hot food takeaways and restaurants in the area. However, this is not a material planning consideration.
“The consideration is whether or not the proposal is acceptable in its own right, bearing in mind the nature and make-up of the area in which it is located. Ultimately, I consider the proposal to be acceptable.
“The proposal is in accordance with the development plan.”
Meanwhile, a supporting statement compiled by planning consultants, Muir Smith Evans, which was lodged with the local authority on behalf of developers Rhiannon Properties Limited, claims there is a need for another café and hot food takeaway in County Place, Perth.
“There is an increasing demand from café, restaurant and hot food takeaway operators for units within the secondary areas of Perth town centre,” it says.
“This is particularly the position in relation to County Place. This application is therefore founded on the principle that, for the unit to continue to contribute to the life, health, and footfall of the city centre as a whole, an alternative use would be appropriate.”
The majority of letters of objection centre on residents claiming the County Place area is already inundated with takeaway shops.
A letter submitted by Mr M Wilson sums up the general feeling. It says: “I am objecting to this application as I feel that there is not a need for another fast food/restaurant on County Place.
“The street already has many eating places and I don’t think having anymore would benefit the area — in fact, it would affect other businesses.”
The plan will be discussed at a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development management committee on Wednesday.
