PUB SITE DECISION RANKLES
Swipe as work starts up
A Perth councillor has continued to express dissatisfaction at the loss of office employment space for a new food and drink outlet.
Cllr Willie Wilson took another swipe at pub giant Greene King’s controversial plans to create a new pub/restaurant at Lamberkine Drive after it appeared work on building it was now under way.
The site was formerly owned by the council and the Lib Dem had moved to resist the leisure scheme.
But some of his remarks - that SNP members of the council seemed “determined to press ahead” with the development in the face of strong local opposition - were immediately described as “nonsense” by one leading Nationalist.
Councillor Wilson told the PA: “This is one of the most unwanted developments in the area. There was very strong opposition to having what was initially a pub and drive through coffee shop. A subsequent planning application converted this into a restaurant and it remains to be seen what will transpire.
“Local residents were adamant that there were ample existing facilities in the area to provide restaurant and public house facilities within a very short walk.
“We have the Harvester restaurant, McDonald’s at Broxden, Subway and Costa facilities at Esso and two minutes away on the bus or a short drive there’s the Cherrybank Inn. There’s no shortage of the availability of place for refreshment or food.
“Despite all this, the SNP in the council seem determined to press ahead with this development by Greene King. I am extremely disappointed that the restaurant has gone ahead.”
But SNP councillor and enterprise convener John Kellas hit back: “As this was decision made by development management and not on a political basis it is nonsense for Councillor Wilson to say the SNP were somehow to blame.
“I believe the correct planning process was followed and all councillors who were present listened to the arguments and voted individually.
“Councillor Wilson, [who is] experienced in development management, should reflect on his comments and respect the fact that the majority did not agree with his view .
“The nature of planning decisions can leave some people happy or upset but in my experience every member of the committee attempts to be fair and balanced.
“I respect the fact Councillor Wilson has his view on this particular development. However, personal attacks, without justification, against a quasi judicial committee and its members should never happen.”
Responding to councillor Wilson’s latest criticism of the scheme a Greene King spokesperson said: “We are looking to build a brand new family-friendly Farmhouse Inn pub restaurant in this location which would create a substantial number of full and part time jobs for the local area.
“Farmhouse Inns’ customers enjoy an extensive selection of great food and drink including cask ales, and tasty carveries.”