It will be an “economic tragedy” for Dundee if councillors turn down a £5 million Sports Direct investment, say the owners of a Lochee retail park where it would be located.
The city council’s own planning department has said the proposed development of a gym and sports shop put forward by retail tycoon Mike Ashley is “unsuitable” for the Stack Retail Park, a crucial part of the Lochee regeneration project.
However, owners say they are “bitterly disappointed” with the recommendation and claim the council has misrepresented their case.
In an appeal to councillors who will consider the application on Monday, TJ Morris Ltd (Home Bargains) urged them to vote against the planners.
In his letter, Joseph Morris, operations director at the company, said: “This unit has been vacant for almost 15 years and is an unsightly and derelict site that we have been trying to secure a tenant for since purchasing the Stack.
“Following lengthy negotiations with Sports Direct for over 24 months, they have decided that this is the location for their first purpose-built gym and retail unit in Scotland ahead of rival sites in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“It will be an economic tragedy for the city if this proposal is not supported.
“This is an opportunity not to be missed by Dundee and we would implore you to overturn your officer’s recommendation and grant planning permission for the application and deliver the regeneration of this redundant nightclub.”
The company also claims the council misrepresented the case for refusal and is disputing that the unit has been “zoned for leisure use only” or that the addition of further retailing would “undermine the agreed strategy for the redevelopment of the Stack”.
Planners claimed a development of the size proposed would be better suited in Dundee city centre but Mr Morris said there is no suitable or alternative location elsewhere.
He added: “The economic benefits in terms of private sector investment and job creation are significant: £5 million investment and 96 full-time-equivalent jobs to be created.
“We noted with interest the recent figures showing Dundee having almost 40% of people unemployed in 2014, the worst rate in Scotland.
“It is surely a win-win for both the local authority and the residents of Dundee?”
When asked about the comments, a Dundee City Council spokesman said the matter would be discussed at the development management committee on Monday.
Representatives of the company, as well as the local traders association, are expected to make their case at the public meeting, which will start at 6pm.