A controversial Blairgowrie shop conversion could be given the go-ahead this week, despite objections from neighbours.
Roy Sim Properties has applied to transform the vacant Laird’s House on Lower Mill Street into a function venue.
However, Perth and Kinross Council planners have received 23 letters and e-mails from people calling for the scheme to be scrapped.
Opponents argue that the new venue will be too noisy at nights and could cause traffic and parking problems.
They are also worried that, if approved, the venue will impact on future prices of nearby properties.
On Wednesday members of the council’s development management committee will be urged to agree the bid.
In his report to councillors, development quality manager Nick Brian said: “Environmental Health have noted in their response that they regularly receive complaints from function venues mainly due to late-night noise; however, they also consider that there are many other venues which operate without complaint and therefore it is possible to do so.”
He added: “I consider that due to the mix of uses in the area and the presence of hotels and pubs in close vicinity, a function venue could be operated without detrimentally impacting residential amenity, subject to the restrictions imposed through conditions.”
Mr Brian added that the venue could also boost the local economy, creating jobs.
The Laird’s House which won planning permission in 2002 closed as a shop and cafe indefinitely this year.
The site was taken over by Roy Sim in the 1980s.