A man has dropped a bid to create a new frozen dessert parlour on Tay Street in Perth after officials said he would need to come up with a flood plan in case the River Tay ever overtops the side of the street.
Broderick Crawford of Marandola’s Gelateria applied for planning consent to put a kiosk by the river opposite The Royal George Hotel in which staff could prepare and sell gelato and ice cream to passers-by.
Mr Crawford also envisaged creating an outdoor seating area where customers could lounge and enjoy their treats by the riverside.
A design statement prepared by Perth-based Fergus Purdie Architects said the site had been “identified and selected by Perth and Kinross Council as a suitable location for the kiosk”.
It said: “The business aim of the kiosk is to prepare and sell gelato/ice cream, coffee, sandwiches (hot and cold panini style) along with light refreshments to the public on a carry out basis.
“Hours of business at present will be 8.30am to 9pm. This will be monitored over the first year to establish the necessary requirements.”
Mr Crawford also claimed the business case had been developed and agreed in consultation with a council official.
However Mr Crawford has now withdrawn his application after PKC flooding engineer Russell Stewart recommended planners ask him to prepare a flood plan “in the event the scheme is overtopped”.
He said: “The Perth Flood Scheme was constructed to the 1814 flood level and it is considered to have a standard of protection greater than one in 200 return period, including an allowance for freeboard and tidal influence.
“It does not include for climate change. Therefore, it is recommended that the owner prepares a flood plan in the event the scheme is overtopped.”
Mr Stewart continued: “Due to the proximity of the flood scheme the developer should be aware it is an offence under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 to damage any apparatus.
“Therefore, an appropriate method of installation will be required to ensure there is no damage to the flood wall, such as the use of a buffer zone.
“This should be laid out in their method statement/risk assessment.”
It is unclear why Mr Crawford chose to withdraw his application.
