Amended plans for restaurant at Howff

A DUNDEE company has resubmitted plans to create a restaurant overlooking the Howff cemetery after its original proposals were branded an “act of civic vandalism”.

West One Properties wanted to transform premises at 5 Bank Street into a 70-cover restaurant.

The plans for a glass extension at the rear that would “float” over the cemetery proved unpalatable and were rejected unanimously by councillors in April.

The company has submitted a new application for a 60-seat restaurant.

Instead of an extension over the graveyard, the new plans proposed creating a “large picture window” overlooking the headstones instead.

A design statement submitted to Dundee City Council on behalf of West One by Brunton Design chartered architects said the giant window would allow diners to “be part” of the Howff

It added: “Although the Bank Street façade is ordered and a good example of period city centre architecture, there is no visual link at the moment through the ground-floor space into the oldest and arguably the most accessible medieval graveyard in Scotland.

“A major steelwork exercise will be undertaken to create a large ‘picture window’ in the rear wall on to the Howff.

“It will also allow the removal (either completely or in part) of a four-storey external metal escape stair which adds nothing to the visual amenity of the south-east corner of the Howff.”

The statement says the light provided by the restaurant would change the way the Howff is seen at night. It said: “During the hours of darkness the graveyard will have a lit corner which will allow a whole new perspective across the stones from Ward Road in silhouette with careful and well-designed external lighting.

“It will also provide a degree of overlooking on to an area prone to antisocial behaviour.”

A whisky bar will be created in the basement of the building.

A justification statement submitted by Brunton Design adds: “There is limited demand for office accommodation in this part of the city and alternative uses for similar accommodation is often sought.

“The proposed use will allow gainful improvement to what otherwise could become a poor unlettable space.”

The plans for the extension were opposed by the Howff Conservation Group.

The proposed picture window.