A developer is making a fresh attempt to win permission for a five-a-side football centre in Dundee.
Imran Amin wants to create six indoor pitches at the former Wood Group factory on the Baldovie industrial estate.
The city council turned down a similar proposal last year, but he is claiming there is a need for the facility and re-use of the empty building would stop it from falling into disrepair.
The centre would also create around 30 jobs.
Planning consultants DG Coutts have submitted a supporting statement with the planning application.
It says: ”The opportunity to participate in indoor five-a-side football is compromised by the lack of facilities to meet the demand. More importantly, the demographic areas to be targeted in this proposal are those located further from existing facilities, such as Fintry, Whitfield, Douglas and Broughty Ferry.”
Support for the centre was voiced previously by the Scottish Football Association east region, Dundee East Community Sports Club and politicians Stewart Hosie and Shona Robison.
The statement adds: ”In the current climate, the provision of any sporting facility is difficult and the most economic way to do so is to convert existing buildings.
”There are very few buildings with the required floor area for five-a-side football but clearly, disused industrial buildings can meet all the required criteria.
”The building will provide a facility that can be used as a social and educational hub, allowing people to participate in organised sport, develop skills, learn respect, team build and achieve a healthier lifestyle.”
The city council has set a target date of October 22 to decide the application, which is contrary to the development plan because the site is designated for industrial use.
The planning consultants add: ”The property has been extensively marketed for the allocated use over a long period of time, without success. The applicant is willing to agree that, if demand returns, the building will be returned to industrial use.”