Plans for a ”super pub” in the centre of Blairgowrie have met a mixed reaction.
While some residents feel it could spell the beginning of the end for local businesses, others are confident it will encourage more visitors by providing a focal point.
The contrasting opinions came to the fore on Wednesday as proposals to change the former Woolworths store in Allan Street into a bar and restaurant were approved by councillors.
National pub chain JD Wetherspoon is behind the plans. It is thought that it will spend £1.7 million transforming the 1960s building into a modern venue.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee examined plans for internal and external alterations and a new shop front at the vacant site.
Before they were able to start their considerations, however, they heard an emotional deputation from Kevin Stephen, who lives next to the building. He warned that a condition in the report calling for zero noise levels outside the pub would be ”impossible” to police.
”My kids are going to suffer because apparently this is an acceptable use for the site,” he said. ”This place is going to be open until 1.30am and there is talk of there being a smoking area at the back as well, although this will close at 10pm.
”We already have to listen to conversations going on in the street late at night. While I think it’s wonderful that there are conditions in the report asking for no sound, there is no way of ensuring this actually happens short of someone going outside and telling them to be quiet.”
Mr Stephen also raised concerns about the impact the premises could have on the other pubs in Blairgowrie.
”This is a small rural town,” he said. ”I can’t believe that the recommendation is to approve this when so many people are going to be affected.”
Echoing these sentiments was local councillor Caroline Shiers. She said: ”Blairgowrie is looking so good because a number of independent businesses have opened up on the High Street.
”My personal opinion is that I am not convinced this particular proposal will complement that.”
There were also disappointment that turning the former Woolworths into a pub prevents the site from being used as a shop in the future.
In particular Councillor Lorraine Caddell believes that, when the economy begins to recover, there may be renewed interest in Blairgowrie.
”This is a fix to fill a hole,” she said. ”This is a site that some of the larger retailers may look at, whereas they probably wouldn’t consider some of the premises that will be vacated in the town because of this pub.”
While there were many anxieties about the negative impact that the ”super pub” could have on the town, Councillor Bob Ellis took a more positive view.
He urged his colleagues to consider the benefits, including giving people a reason to visit during traditionally quiet times, as well as providing between 40 to 50 full and part-time jobs.
The local member for Blairgowrie and the Glens also revealed he had carried out some research into JD Wetherspoon and he had heard nothing derogatory about the company.
”The owner of the Royal Hotel, which is located just 100 metres from the entrance of the proposed pub, was quoted in a local newspaper,” Mr Ellis said. ”He said that in the short term it will fill empty premises, which is something we have to look at.
”In the medium term it will put pressure on businesses that offer coffee, food and alcohol.
”In the long term it will mean that businesses will have to differentiate their product range in order to combat competition. It has happened elsewhere and we have to move with the times.”