Perth and Kinross Council has denied an application by That Bar to retain a popular outdoor seating area in Perth city centre.
Craig Fraser, head of operations with That Bar Lounge and The Loft nightclub in Perth’s South Street, assumed the application to renew permission would be a formality.
However, he has now been told to remove the covered seating, installed at a cost of £5,000, by October.
Mr Fraser said the tables, which helped the hospitality business survive the pandemic, have been a “lifeline” in the face of soaring overheads.
The area includes furniture, planters, whisky barrels, bamboo walls, heating and lighting.
He said: “I thought the planning application we made back in February would be a formality, given that this is the third year we have offered the facility to our clientele.
“It has proved very popular with locals and tourists alike since we were given temporary consent to help us survive Covid and the social distancing rules which were operating across the country. That was a lifesaver.
“As a long-established Perth business, the council and city centre councillors were very sympathetic to our plight. But we need their backing now more than ever.
“The hospitality and night-time economy are under greater pressure than at any time I can recall in 30-odd years working in the sector. Costs are absolutely crippling.”
Why has council refused permission?
The application has been rejected due to South Street being a main arterial route into the city centre.
“They say there is a requirement to ensure ongoing access to the gullies for maintenance,” the pub boss continued.
“But right from the start we made sure the one and only drain cover could be easily accessed if that was ever required.
“We haven’t had any issues whatsoever with drivers or pedestrians in the two-and-a-half years the structure has been in place.
“It’s mystifying why permission is now being withdrawn.
“Customers have told us it is the nicest outdoor area in the city centre and I’m sure it will be very busy again when the weather warms up.
“This unexpected news is a real kick in the teeth. We are discussing the grounds for appeal with our solicitor but hopefully common sense prevails.”
A smaller seating adjacent to the pub will be allowed to continue.
What is Perth and Kinross Council saying?
Perth and Kinross Council said That Bar was granted temporary permission for the outdoor seating area as part of discretionary Covid-19 support to businesses.
This permission ran until the end of March last year and a further 12 months’ permission was granted last March.
A spokesperson said: “A further application made by That Bar at the beginning of 2023 was granted until early October 2023.
“Following removal of national restrictions and discretionary powers, planning permission was subsequently required for all such areas of occupation and was granted on a temporary basis.
“Recent changes to legislation no longer require planning permission for outdoor use of space in most circumstances.
“But consent is still required to permit occupation of pavements and roads space by the council as the area’s roads authority.
“We are now engaging with businesses to advise of changes and to provide guidance on where permission is required and where such occupation will be permitted.
“We do appreciate the ongoing economic pressures on businesses. The temporary permission granted allows the business to continue to operate this seating area during what are traditionally the busy summer months.”
Last month The Kirkside Bar, which sits in Perth’s Cafe Quarter opposite Perth Museum, was granted permission to extend its outdoor seating area.
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