Controversial plans for a pharmacy and distribution depot in Dundee have been given the go-ahead despite fears the move will bring drug users into a residential area.
Councillors sitting on the development management committee on Monday voted in favour of the development earmarked for vacant industrial land on the corner of Fairmuir Road and Old Glamis Road.
The distribution hub is expected to serve prescription medicines to all 22 care homes belonging to the Balhousie Care Group as well as other care homes across Tayside.
The application received 14 letters of objection and a 54-signature petition over concerns that the ”prescription factory” would attract a greater number of methadone users but the committee concluded there was no evidence to support this.
Instead Graham Ogilvie, of the applicant Clepington Road LLP, which has the same address as the headquarters of the Balhousie Care Group, said the centre would benefit the community and bring significant investment to the city.
As part of the plans, a pharmacy at 269 Clepington Road will be closed and move to larger premises off Glamis Road.
The architectural agent for the application, James Paul, said on this: ”The existing building (at Clepington Road) is not at present fit for purpose. Our plans are for a small distribution centre that will provide care homes with medicines.”
At the moment the Clepington Road pharmacy has seven registered methadone prescription holders.
Methadone users are resident in all major cities but, in a number of pharmacies, there have been complaints that users can be seen taking their prescription in full view of others.
Councillor Jimmy Black voiced concern and said he hated to share the same space as drug users when visiting his pharmacy.
The elected representative for Coldside sought reassurances that this would not be the case at the new site.
He added: ”It’s a sad day that people object to the presence of a chemist in their community because of drug users but that is a sign of the times.”
In response Mr Paul said: ”Users will be isolated from the rest of the public. In fact they will have a separate door which they can use to access and take their methadone.
”We don’t envisage there being a big influx of methadone users using the centre just because we have moved a short distance away.”
Councillor Helen Wright moved against the application, seconded by Councillor Mohammed Asif, arguing that the development was in breach of planning policy.
Committee convener Rod Wallace moved in favour of the application, adding that the argument over a possible increase in the number of drug users was a ”bit of a red herring.”
He continued: ”It is quite a bold move by the applicant to relocate from an established shop on Clepington Road to their new centre to serve the needs of the Balhousie Care Group.
”There is a fear element being put about concerning methadone users. They are throughout society and Dundee.”
The committee voted 20 to six in favour of the motion.