Bosses at an Aberdeen bar have been given a “last chance” to get planning permission for their popular marquee.
Soul has been given retrospective planning permission for the marquee on Union Street, but told they have 30 months to submit a formal application.
The establishment erected the structure, which contains heaters, for smokers and outdoor diners without planning permission two years ago.
But retrospective permission has since lapsed, and the bar owners PB Development Company had been told to remove it.
Council planners had recommended that members on yesterday’s local review body refuse the plan citing concerns about the “visual impact” on the B-listed former Langstane kirk.
A report to committee read: “Due to its inappropriate quality, design and material the temporary structure detracts from the setting and character of the listed building and visual amenity within the wider conservation area by reason of its prominent position in public view on Union Street.”
But members voted to grant retrospective permission for the next two-and-a-half years saying the council’s commitment to cafe culture and regeneration of the Granite Mile must come first.
Committee convener Ramsay Milne ruled that members had enough information without conducting a site visit.
After debate he said a two-and-a-half year window would be granted for a new application but said this was their “last chance”.
Last night the decision was welcomed by Soul who hinted the firm were looking to bring forward an application for a more permanent structure.
Director Paul Clarkson said: “I think that common sense has prevailed here.
“It’s great we have been granted approval and we are looking to get a planning application in for something similar to what we have currently but of a slightly different ilk.”
Local councillor Alan Donnelly welcomed the committee decision adding that the licensed trade in the city was in a “nose dive”.
He said: “Having listened to the trade they are saying that this is their worst August on record, there are bars empty during the week and nightclubs closing.
“We need to do all we can to support our night time economy.”
