An empty Angus building will be transformed into a dance studio and roller hockey rink unique in Scotland despite concerns aired by one of the county’s major employers.
Youth charity Showcase the Street applied to turn a Forfar industrial complex into a leisure centre in May.
And their dreams may come true, following approval at Orchardbank Industrial Estate by delegated powers.
Design studio the Voigt Partnership drew up plans for the charity, now in its 11th year of operation, to move in to the former Phoenix Polymers building.
Conditional permission for a change of use has been granted, provided the site is made cycle friendly with full parking management.
Major textile manufacturer Don & Low, which has its local base at nearby Newfordpark, submitted thoughts as a comment rather than an objection.
On its behalf, agents GVA Barr stated the increase in traffic caused by the centre could have an impact on the workings of businesses in the area.
The firm said there was insufficient information in the application, the location of the access was unacceptable and there was inadequate parking provision.
But Angus Council planning service manager Iain Mitchell said the development would bring a vacant building back into use for the community.
“The proposed use would not reduce available employment land to an unacceptable level and would not conflict with neighbouring land uses subject to relevant planning conditions,” he added.
“There are no material considerations that justify refusal of the application.”
Economic development service manager Alison Smith was consulted on some of the issues raised and stated in her response: “Under normal circumstances I would be resistant to such change of planning use and the loss of industrial premises.
“However, I recognise that the unit in question has been vacant for some time and this project provides an opportunity to bring a redundant building back into use while at the same time provide a significant community facility.”
Showcase the Street provides community-centre dance activities for hundreds of young people in Angus every year.
The new centre would be used for this purpose, as well as provide a suite of facilities for the community, including a roller-hockey rink, football pitch, halls and offices, caf and reception area.
According to its website the group aims “to bring inspiration, education and enjoyment of the arts and other activities to young people across all areas with an emphasis on young people staying in areas of deprivation or rural isolation.”