The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Businesses up in arms over new restaurant plans
PERTH: Litter and anti-social behaviour concerns raised
A bid to open a family restaurant in the heart of Perth city centre faces a fierce backlash from local businesses.
Developers want to open a new establishment at the former Bright House store on High Street. They say it will help reinvigorate the city’s night-time economy.
But neighbouring businesses and residents are battling to block the plan, claiming it will lead to a rise in litter and anti-social behaviour.
They say the area, which is just a stone’s throw from Perth City Hall, is the wrong spot for such a restaurant and takeaway.
The plans have been submitted by property firm Sava Estates. It is understood they are in talks with a big-name restaurant chain to take on the establishment when the current lease expires in July.
A row has erupted over plans for a new family restaurant in the heart of Perth city centre.
Businesses are battling to block the proposal for a prime High Street site close to the soon-to-be transformed Perth City Hall.
Developers have applied to convert the B-listed retail unit into a 3,800sq ft restaurant and takeaway.
A chimney would be installed at the back of the building to get rid of smells from the kitchen.
Glasgow property firm Sava Estates wants to have planning permission in place for what is described as a “quality” outlet, before the lease on the House of Highlands store expires in June.
It is understood the firm, which recently took over the “at risk” King’s Theatre in Dundee, has already had interest from a well-known restaurant chain, although the potential operator has not been revealed.
The project faces a backlash from nearby businesses and residents, who are urging planners to refuse permission.
Perth and Kinross Council’s planning department has had several formal complaints from locals who claim the former Bright House building, on the corner of King Edward Street, is the wrong spot for such a development.
Josephine Buchan, who has run neighbouring Josie’s Hair Salon for more than 30 years, said: “A restaurant and hot food takeaway is not in keeping with such a prominent location in the city centre, as the surrounding area is predominantly both commercial and residential properties.”
Ms Buchan has raised concerns about litter and late-night noise, which could affect her trade and customers.
Alex Stewart, spokesman for Albasure Ltd and Perth Mortgage Centre, claimed the development could pose a fire hazard and that customers could start using their close as a toilet.
The nearby Denarius Investment Company has also complained.
“A spokesman said: “They say they are installing a chimney but we all know that despite this, there is always a smell from hot food takeaways. The offices and houses above would have to put up with this smell daily.”
In its submission to planners, agents for Sava Estates argue: “This development will introduce a new restaurant which will animate this important corner and introduce a dynamic and active new use.
“While pedestrianisation can be a very positive element in the streetscape, to be effective it has to also contain uses and activities which will attract people into the street, particularly in the evening when the majority of retail outlets are closed and footfall declines.”
Planning chiefs are expected to rule on the development in the coming weeks.
“They say they are installing a chimney but we all know that despite this, there is always a smell from hot food takeaways. DENARIUS INVESTMENT