Contentious new funeral parlour set to go ahead

A CONTROVERSIAL funeral parlour looks set to be approved by city councillors despite opposition from residents.

Applicant John Webster hopes to turn a vacant unit on Graham Street, once occupied by the Woodside Community Group, into a funeral directors.

Planning bosses at Dundee City Council have recommended the proposal be approved by city councillors at the next development management committee meeting.

Objections have been received from five neighbours to the application site.

Edward Finnie, a local resident, said: “We’ve never been notified. I only heard about it when my neighbour mentioned it.”

Another resident said: “We have a few serious concerns and have launched a series of complaints with the council. There is a major issue with parking here because of football on a Sunday — every evening this area is jam-packed with cars.”

A petition of 119 signatures was also presented to the council by locals concerned about parking problems.

Objectors have also claimed there are enough similar premises in the area.

But planning chiefs have said that parking fears are ill-founded. In a statement which will go before councillors, case officer Craig Swankie wrote: “Residents raise concerns with parking pressures when football matches are played on sports pitches to the north of the site and at Dens/Tannadice. As the funeral directors will be open MondayFriday, from 9am-5pm, there will be limited occasions when football matches are played during the opening hours of the funeral directors.”

In addition, Mr Swankie said the business would have “no detrimental impact” on neighbouring homes.

He said: “It is concluded that the proposal complies with the requirements of the Dundee Local (Development Plan). Therefore, it is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

Applicant Mr Webster said: “As far as we are concerned the funeral directors is far less busy than say a retail unit. The actual hearses and limos are going to be kept elsewhere and disruption for residents is going to be kept to a minimum.”

Councillors will vote on the proposal on Monday.