An Aberdeen Wetherspoons will build a “rooftop terrace” despite fears noisy revellers could cause sleepless nights for hotel guests yards away.
The Justice Mill pub will undergo a major revamp, with the chain’s plans now approved by Aberdeen City Council.
It will mean part of the roof will be removed from the first floor to turn it into an al fresco dining area.
The 160-seater outdoor space will be built alongside an extension with enough room for about 150 customers in a new upstairs bar too.
Rooftop garden approved despite noise fears
The approval comes despite warnings that the development could have a “very serious economic impact” on the Park Inn by Radisson hotel just across Justice Mill Lane.
Managing director Frank Whitaker, who is also chairman of the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, revealed his fears in a letter of objection to the council.
He said: “There is real concern that a rooftop garden will generate noise disturbance for hotel guests at the Park Inn by Radisson.
“Should this be the case then the hotel will be dealing with noise complaints, the possibility of having to make financial refunds to disturbed guests, and have significant reputational damage caused by public reviews.
The economic impact of the roof garden on the Park Inn by Radisson is potentially very serious.”
It comes after a bruising spell for the hospitality sector, particularly in the heart of Aberdeen.
Both the nearby Travelodge and Bauhaus hotels have recently closed, and been turned into student accommodation.
Problem will be ‘worst at weekends’
The hotel’s complaint was echoed by the nearby Spires Properties Ltd – who said a 3m “acoustic barrier” aimed at cutting noise will do little to help people living nearby.
Justice Mill Wetherspoons expansion to ‘boost vitality’ of Aberdeen
But the pub chain argued the project will “allow customers to experience the building in a new light”.
Documents lodged with the council also claimed the upgrades will boost other businesses along the Granite Mile.
Hotel guests ‘already likely to face city centre noise’
Under the scheme, there will be enclosed areas facing onto Union Street and Justice Mill Lane, with the rooftop terrace measuring 1,995 sq ft in the middle.
The local authority has now endorsed the upgrades despite acknowledging the “potential for noise disturbance” to some hotel guests.
Council officers suggested the Park Inn’s city centre location means visitors are “already likely to be subjected to some noise disturbance”.
And they said the acoustic barrier will “address noise” from patrons.
Earlier today, Mr Whitaker declined to comment on the plans being endorsed.
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Wetherspoon offering customers ‘best possible pub’
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The Justice Mill is a very popular pub and our aim is always to offer our customers the best possible pub.
“At this stage there are no timelines for the project.”
You can see the freshly approved plans here.
Conversation