Plans for Perth nightclub approved

Feb 19 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PERTH-BASED entrepreneur’s plans to create a nightclub in the centre of the Fair City have been given the green light.

John Buchan, proprietor of St John’s Street pub Brennan’s, appeared in front of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee this week to discuss plans for a “boutique” venture.

Mr Buchan lodged plans to turn his existing Late Lounge function room – previously a popular music venue in Perth’s Watergate – into “a sophisticated facility, catering for a niche market of mature patrons in the 25-and-over age group”.

Mr Buchan asked for opening hours to be extended to 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour longer than previously.

A total of 19 objections were submitted to the local authority by nearby residents, businesses and Perth Civic Trust.

But the Brennan’s boss assured elected members that fears over excessive noise, and other complaints centred around a perceived increase in anti-social behaviour, were unfounded.

He said: “The function suite is currently sound-proofed to the levels required for a nightclub.

“We’ve had a noise assessment carried out previously, which was accepted by the council’s environmental services department.”

Councillors Liz Grant and Bob Band asked Mr Buchan how he intended to ensure patrons smoking outside the 238-capacity venue wouldn’t clog-up the area’s vennels.

And how the 25-and-over age restriction was to be implemented – another point mentioned by objectors.

Mr Buchan said: “There’s not much we can do to get people to stop smoking outside.

“But there will be door staff in place to ask anyone who looks under the age of 25 for identification, such as a driver’s licence or a passport.”

Before the project was unanimously approved, committee convener Willie Wilson urged members with concerns regarding anti-social behaviour to raise them with the appropriate council department.

“We need to differentiate between planning and licensing laws,” he said.