The owner of a well-known Banff shop has said Aberdeenshire Council is “playing Russian roulette” with the livelihoods of working people over plans to block an expansion.
Des Cheyne has tabled ambitious plans for a £2million expansion of his Spotty Bag Shop in Banff, which would include tripling the size of the cafe.
The convenience store, often likened to Aladdin’s Cave due to its vast array of goods , employs 50 staff and Mr Cheyne intends to hire a further 30 if his proposals are approved.
The businessman claims that his scheme would make the Spotty Bag Shop the biggest employer in Banff.
But council planners have urged councillors to block a key phase of the development due to concerns about a lack of parking in the area.
Mr Cheyne – a vocal campaigner for regenerating Banff’s struggling retail district – has reacted angrily.
He said: “It’s very disappointing. It would bring more people into the town and hopefully encourage economic prosperity. It’s a destination store and tourist attraction.
“The frustrating thing is that I feel the council is playing Russian roulette with people’s livelihoods and their communities.”
The entrepreneur was also annoyed to discover the local authority’s regeneration team is separately recommending councillors back a study into improving Bridge Street – only yards from the shop.
The two issues are both on the local area committee’s agenda for tomorrow.
Mr Cheyne added: “It seems that they are not all singing from the same hymn sheet.”
Last night, local councillor Mark Findlater intervened by claiming the store was vital to the prosperity of the town.
He said: “The Spotty Bag Shop is a very important business for our area and a big employer locally as well.
“I can’t comment on how I am going to vote, but I am surprised the planners have recommended refusal on parking grounds. There are loads of parking spaces in Banff.”
Area committee chairman John Cox added: “We’ll take on board all the information that’s in the report. Officers have to abide by policy but councillors form the policy and, through democratic process, can consider all aspects of it.”
Previously, a spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said the authority could not comment on live planning applications.
However the recommendation of the planners does not represent an outright refusal of permission.
Members of the Banff and Buchan area committee will meet tomorrow to vote on the proposals.