One of Britain’s biggest pub chains has won its battle to open a restaurant on the edge of Perth.
Councillors rejected proposals for a Greene King at Broxden Business Park, arguing the site should be reserved for new offices.
The plan was thrown out by the local authority’s development management committee, despite assurances the new venue would create around 60 jobs and help boost the local economy.
The bid also attracted complaints from residents who claimed the development would lead to a rise in litter problems and antisocial behaviour.
Now Suffolk-based Greene King has overturned the councillors’ decision and secured planning consent following an appeal to Scottish ministers.
In its submission to the directorate for planning and environmental appeals, a Greene King spokesman said there was an oversupply of office accommodation in and around the city.
He added: “The proposed development will assist in attracting future employment users to the vacant, adjacent plots.”
The company has also assured that it would take steps to ensure a litter-free environment for customers and neighbours.
“With regard to antisocial behaviour, Greene King has a string policy on controlling this,” he added.
“They do not allow large groups, such as football supporters or hen or stag parties, access to their restaurants in order to maintain the family friendly, relaxing dining experience.”
In his findings, appeals reporter Don Rankin notes that Perth and Kinross Council argues there is a “real possibility” of vacant sites at the business park being used for office developments.
“The evidence from the market assessments would suggest that the prospects for these proposals (at two plots) would be strengthened if the business park location were to be more attractive to occupiers.
“The proposed development could well achieve that improvement in perception for prospective tenants.”
Local councillor Willie Wilson said the appeals decision was “very disappointing”.
“I’ve always said that this land should be retained for a high-value office development and high-value jobs,” he said.
The Greene King project has yet to secure a drinks licence.