Decision on revised proposals for £1m nightspot in Longate is deferred until after site visit
Councillors decide to ‘go clubbing’ at Peterhead
Published:
A decision on the creation of Aberdeenshire’s biggest purpose-built nightclub, on the fringes of Peterhead town centre, has been delayed.
Landlord Ian Sangster and his son, Scott, want to construct the £1million club next to the Harbour Lights bar, in Longate.
Revised plans have moved the entrance from Longate around the corner to Ellis Street, near the harbour, and the 10,300sq ft building would have double-layered walls and be fitted with sound-proofing insulation.
Local residents fear the club will overshadow their homes and give them sleepless nights — claiming the new nightspot will lead to a rise in antisocial behaviour.
Yesterday, however, Mr Sangster told councillors on Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan area committee that he would do all he could to minimise the impact on neighbours.
The Sangsters’ representative, Brian McCombie, disputed council planning officials’ assessment of the proposed site as being residential.
“It is mixed use, at best,” he said. “There are industrial and commercial premises nearby which clearly demonstrate that the area is part-residential, part-industrial.”
Aberdeenshire Council has received 12 letters and e-mails complaining about the scheme — all from people living in the surrounding area.
But the local authority has received more letters – 13 – in support of the nightclub project.
Backers say the town is in desperate need of a new nightspot, and they are satisfied the venue would be properly managed, with insulated walls to avoid noise problems.
When they held a public meeting to unveil their plans earlier this year, the father- and-son team won support from the handful of residents who attended.
Councillor Robert Thomas called for a visit to the site, and this was unanimously agreed by members of the committee.
