Plan for cafe along cycling route refused

A CAFE planned for a popular path between the Port of Dundee and Broughty Ferry has been knocked back.

The new Stannergate business has been rejected because council planning officers say it could pull customers away from the city’s established businesses.

Aimed at cyclists and walkers, the cafe was to be made out of steel containers, with a small inside seating area and a larger one outside.

It would have served mainly traditional, homemade food and created a small number of jobs.

The businessman behind the plan, David Keir, said in October last year he hoped to open it by early summer this year.

Located on the riverside of Broughty Ferry Road/the Stannergate, it was hoped it would provide a stop-off point for visitors on the National Cycle Network.

Mr Keir, who co-owns the site alongside Malcolm Stewart, says they are now assessing their options and will “definitely appeal”.

It is one of a number of planning applications to be rejected in the past few years based on the council’s Policy 21: Town Centre First Principle.

Councillors agreed to the policy some years ago to help the city centre and high streets in areas such as Lochee and Broughty Ferry “thrive sustainably”.

The decision published by Dundee City Council lists four reasons for the refusal, which are: The proposed scale and design of the development are out of character for this open strip of land.

The development would be at odds with the development plan strategy for Dundee.

The site is within the Special Area of Conservation on the Tay Estuary, so it has the potential to impact on any birds using the area for nesting, roosting and feeding.

Finally, it said the proposal would require part of the flood defence wall to be removed to enable access to the site.

Mr Keir said he can only hope those reviewing the plan see the cafe would not hurt other businesses as there is nothing else like it locally.

He said: “We are obviously very disappointed with the decision.

“The cafe will create jobs and help local suppliers and also be a convenient stopping point for the National Cycling Route.

“We think this decision is detrimental to cyclists and walkers.”

“We’ve spoken to so many people, all of whom are so supportive of it,” he added. Other plans to be rejected under the Town Centre First Principle include a drivethrough Tim Hortons at the New Craigie Retail Park at the east end of the Kingsway.

A new Clark’s bakery just off the Kingsway near Charleston was also the centre of intense debate over the policy.

It was recommended for refusal before being approved in a vote by councillors.

Mr Keir added: “Hopefully the council look at the bigger picture. A cafe that size is no threat to Dundee city centre.”