Go-ahead for new indoor bowling arena after years of wrangling

Plans for a £750,000 indoor bowling arena intended to save the sport in Perth have been approved after years of wrangling.

North Inch Bowling Club, the Petanque Club and Perth Bowling Club joined forces in 2014 in an attempt to have the state-of-theart centre built after securing £100,000 in funding from Perth and Kinross Council.

Proposals submitted to the local authority were initially rejected but members came up with a modified plan, which has now been given the go-ahead, despite several objections from nearby homeowners.

Locals feared the extension would lead to an increase in traffic congestion, and contended that the building deeds prevented any further development.

The arena will be an extension of the clubhouse, marking the most significant change to the building since the thatch roof was replaced with slate in 1966.

The new section of the building, which is larger than the original clubhouse, will be built to the west, towards the bowling green on the opposite side from the North Inch.

It could be used to host indoor games, as well as seminars and other functions.

A ladies’ toilet will replace an office, which will be moved into the space currently occupied by the entrance porch.

Changes from the original application include a shortening of the length of the roof ridge and a reduction in height of the gable as well as some additional detailing.

The application was approved by council officials under delegated powers. In their report, planners said the project was in accordance with the development plan.