Hundreds of backers have bombarded Aberdeen City Council in an effort to keep a marquee up at the Dutch Mill – and avert “considerable job losses”.
The Queen’s Road hotel and bar has been told to take down the large white canopy over the front car park by the end of January.
Council planning bosses describe it as an eyesore in the traditional area.
But in a desperate bid to protect takings and jobs, management are now seeking permission for a £30,000 replacement more in-keeping with its surroundings.
They say there will be unavoidable redundancies, and a knock-on impact on the local economy, if the new application is rejected and they have to go completely without.
Since we broke the news on Friday, more than 300 supporters have written to the council pleading for the replacement marquee plans to be approved.
Ria McRobbie from Aberdeen’s Birkhall Parade said: “In the midst of the pandemic, it was great to see some businesses look outside the box and make a success of a terrible situation.
“At a time when we should be supporting local businesses, why would you want to take away something that would have a huge financial impact on a successful business?”
Stewart Rumbles said: “Don’t kill a good thing for Aberdeen.”
The Carnegie Gardens resident added: “It would be crazy to make them take this down for many reasons.”
‘People are being driven out of Aberdeen by lack of cool places’
Ana Maria Gomez from Westhill wrote: “Please keep up the marquee! It is so nice to be able to eat outdoors without getting wet or freezing cold!
“Aberdeen needs so much more of this outdoor dining!”
Derrick Simpson said approving it should be a “no brainer”, adding: “It has created many more jobs and has prospered in the Covid aftermath, where many others have stayed still and sank.”
Anna McErlean, from Broomhill Road, said: “Please don’t take away the rare good few spots of Aberdeen that we have.
“We need these places to add life to Aberdeen.
“People are being driven out of Aberdeen because there are not many cool bar spaces and nice places to eat and drink that aren’t chains.”
Angry neighbour takes lone stand against Dutch Mill marquee plans
Two objections have been sent in.
Stephen Main, from Forest Road, said: “The current and proposed marquees are unsightly, and the loss of parking leads to illegal and anti-social parking on nearby roads, particularly Forest Road.
“I have complained to the council on five occasions in the past year regarding the parking problems.”
The other appears to have been lodged in error, as the message attached expresses a “love” of the outdoor area.
You can have a look at the plans here, and there’s still plenty of time if you want to have a say too.
Conversation