Sports bar extension agreed despite row
seating area, but were removed to “prevent any unacceptable disturbance to adjacent residents.”
During consultation, the plans attracted 91 representations in support with many people welcoming the expansion of the business and community benefits.
However, 65 letters were also lodged in opposition, raising concerns about antisocial behaviour, noise, parking and disruption during building work.
Plans for the scheme were deferred last month to allow councillors to visit the site.
The plans were given the green light following a heated debate at a meeting of the council’s Development Control Sub-Committee on Tuesday, March 3.
A neighbour told councillors Sky Lounge was a “glorified nightclub” with residents affected by noise and parking issues linked to the site.
Ward councillor for Washington Central, Linda Williams, also spoke against the plans at the meeting describing the restaurant facility as “overkill”.
“The interior of the building is lovely, but it’s in the wrong place. Any additional building is just that step too far for the area,” she said.
Planning agent Nicola Allan, representing applicant David Ball, stressed many concerns were linked to the existing use of the site, rather than the restaurant planning application.
Councillors heard the restaurant area would include about six tables with an extraction unit repositioned away from nearby houses.
Planning officers said that issues raised at the meeting fell under licensing rather than planning matters.
Councillors Len Lauchlan and Fiona Miller, who later voted against the plans, said they shared residents’ concerns.
After nearly an hour of discussions, the plans were approved by the sub-committee with a majority vote.