Protests look set for failure in stopping city café and takeaway

Planners recommend approval despite many objections

A café and takeaway in Perth is being recommended for approval – despite a flood of objections.

The controversial plan to transform a newsagents/convenience store into the eatery on County Place has resulted in 36 letters of objection.

The majority of opponents say there is no need for another “eating place” in this area of the city.

A report drawn up by Anne Condliffe, Perth and Kinross Council’s interim development quality manager, says the proposed café and takeaway would be in Perth Conservation Area and she makes reference to the number of residents against the application.

Her report says: “There have been some concerns raised about the number of hot food takeaways and restaurants in the area. However, this is not a material planning consideration.

“The consideration is whether or not the proposal is acceptable in its own right, bearing in mind the nature and make-up of the area in which it is located.

“Ultimately, I consider the proposal to be acceptable. It is in accordance with the development plan.”

Meanwhile, a supporting statement by planning consultants Muir Smith Evans, lodged with the local authority on behalf of developers Rhiannon Properties Limited, claims there is a need for another café and hot food takeaway in County Place.

“There is an increasing demand from café, restaurant and hot food takeaway operators for units within the secondary areas of Perth town centre,” it says.

“This is particularly the position in relation to County Place.”

The majority of letters of objection centre on residents claiming the County Place area is already inundated with takeaway shops.

A letter submitted by Mr M Wilson says: “I am objecting to this application as I feel that there is not a need for another fast food/restaurant on County Place. The street already has many eating places and I don’t think having any more would benefit the area — in fact, it would affect other businesses.”

The plan will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s planning and development management committee today.

The street already has many eating places and I don’t think having any more would benefit the area