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Children’s role play cafe given go ahead despite fears it could ‘destroy neighbouring optician’s livelihood’

The new role play cafe will be located at 14 Victoria Street, seen here next to Kirkwood Fyfe. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson
The new role play cafe will be located at 14 Victoria Street, seen here next to Kirkwood Fyfe. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Plans to open a new “role play” cafe for youngsters in Aberdeen have been given the go-ahead despite worries it could “severely impact” the optician next door.

Staff at eye clinic Kirkwood Fyfe said they were “extremely unhappy” about the proposal to transform the property next door on Victoria Street due to the potential “uncontrolled noise” from youngsters.

The plans for the former Aberdeen Medical Services previously went before councillors last month but they deferred it to get more information on parking.

A final decision on the matter was made by the council’s planning committee yesterday.

Clinic boss Robert Fyfe attended the meeting to voice his opposition to the plan.

The boss of Kirkwood Fyfe said his staff were unhappy with the plan due to concerns over noise. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

He said the business has operated “peacefully” for the last 24 years carrying out a range of delicate procedures including laser eye surgery and cataract surgery.

Mr Fyfe added: “Eye surgery procedures are intricate and are done under extremely high magnification.

“Any noise or vibration will disturb the confidence of the consultant and the patient, and of course, affect the accuracy of the procedure.”

‘Noise levels could destroy my livelihood’

He argued that granting the proposal would “severely impact” the business as it needs a “calm and stress-free environment”.

“I feel that unacceptable noise levels could destroy my livelihood and that of my employees with the impact of job losses, and a failure to recruit any new surgeons who may be deterred by our noisy neighbours,” Mr Fyfe added.

“Why should a brand new start-up with no track record dislodge a business which was started in 1951 and has been on Victoria Street for 24 years?”

Benefits of role play cafe

But agent Daniel Harrington argued the new business would create new jobs and provide a safe environment for children to learn and play. It would also take an empty building back into use.

He explained that music would not be played in the new facility while internal work would be carried out in a bid to reduce noise to neighbouring properties.


What do you think of the plan? Share your views in our comments section at the foot of this article


Mr Fyfe argued that noise and vibration from the play cafe would “disturb the confidence” of his staff and patients. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

What is a role play cafe?

Plans for the new play centre were submitted to the local authority back in May.

It has been designed to spark the imaginations of children up to the age of seven.

While it is also hoped that the facility will help youngsters develop vital skills such as communication and creativity.

The themed areas in the role play cafe could look like this. Image: Thain Harrington Edward Chartered Architects
The themed areas in the role-play cafe could look a bit like this. Image: Thain Harrington Edward Chartered Architects

Six themed areas will be created including a play kitchen, shop and vets.

While the youngsters are playing, adults would relax and chat in a small cafe.

You can watch the meeting here.

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