Off-licence plan approved despite letters of protest

Controversial plans for an off-licence in the Pentland area were narrowly given approval by councillors.

Members of the development management committee heard the licensing board would still have to give its backing before the premises could be used to sell alcohol.

There had been 20 letters of objection and two petitions with a total of 29 signatures opposing the planning application by Vikas Jain at 116-118 City Road, near the junction with Tullideph Road.

A representative of a nearby store said he was worried about an alley behind the shopping parade being used as a drinking den.

He noted there were already several shops selling alcohol within five minutes walking distance.

West End councillor Fraser Macpherson proposed the application be refused, but committee vice-convener Jimmy Black said: “We should let the licensing board do its work.”

The committee voted 13 to 11, with one abstention, to allow the change of use of the premises.