Controversial plans for a pub and restaurant on the outskirts of Perth have been narrowly rejected by councillors.
By seven votes to six, members of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee refused the application for vacant land on Perth’s Lamberkine Drive.
As well as concerns from local people about litter and noise, objectors argued that the site should be preserved for office development.
In a presentation to councillors on behalf of the applicants for the pub/restaurant and a drive-through coffee facility, it was claimed that the development would represent a significant boost to the economy, generating £50,000 in business rates each year and creating 60 jobs, 47 of which would be full-time.
The committee was told that the operators would ensure that litter related to the premises would be cleared.
Also addressing councillors was Janice Taylor of Coldstream Avenue, the nearest street to the development.
She argued that there was already plenty of provision locally, citing MacDonalds, Harvester and a 24-hour Esso station, as well as mentioning the Cherrybank Inn on Glasgow Road.
Among her concerns were litter and noise from the premises and she estimated that traffic movements would be increased five-fold.
“This is a prime residential area and is zoned for high quality offices,” she said.
“It is not the correct development for this area.”
Local councillor Willie Wilson also spoke to the committee, saying that the proposal did not conform with the local plan.
He said that while the plan might create employment, an office development would lead to more and higher value jobs.
“To give away this site for this type of development is something we might regret in the future,” said Mr Wilson.
The argument that the pub/restaurant plan would provide a service for the existing offices was “spurious”, he claimed.
“No one has been banging on my door saying this is a great idea,” he said.
Councillor John Kellas moved approval, while Councillor Calum Gillies advocated refusal, with the latter stance narrowly winning the day.
After the meeting, Mr Wilson said he was “delighted” that the arguments of the objecting deputations had been accepted.
“I would hope this decision will encourage potential office developments to look at Broxden for their future needs,” he added.