Down by the Riverside

The Civic Trust has been looking at some recent planning proposals which stand to change parts of the Riverside area if approved and developed.

At Riverside Avenue, just off the roundabout below the Botanic Garden, McDonalds has proposed a drive-in restaurant (24/00509/FULL). The Trust has not opposed this, as planning approval was previously given for a similar development by another operator. In the previous application we asked for improved landscaping along Riverside Avenue in order to enhance the visual approach and biodiversity.

[Update, 15 October: the above application has now been withdrawn.]

Dundee Football Club has proposed a five-pitch training complex on ground to the east of the Dundee University playing fields (24/00487/FULL). We have received guarantees that the grass pitches will remain available to local amateur and community clubs at the council’s existing tariffs. On that basis we have supported this proposal whilst suggesting some improvements. If implemented it removes the need for a training complex inside Camperdown Park ground, which is part of their current stadium development proposal on the old NCR recreation ground site.

The City Council is pressing ahead with plans to replace the footbridge over the railway line near the west end of Magdalen Green, making use of Sustrans Scotland funding. While recognising the barriers presented by the existing footbridge for a variety of users including those with cycles, prams and wheelchairs, we feel the proposed 66-metre span and its ramped approaches take up far too much ground and we have objected. There are existing, alternative accesses to Riverside Drive from Magdalen Green which can be upgraded at modest cost and this funding could be better used on other more important sustainable transport works in the city. In any event the forthcoming Aberdeen to Central Belt railway electrification will require replacement of the existing bridge under the scope of that project.

Finally, the City Council is also keen to find a new use for the adjacent underused sports pavilion and has been exploring a community asset  transfer with at least one charitable group.

Proposed changes at our Roseangle meeting venue

The Trust considers all planning applications in Dundee; and we find ourselves expressing a direct interest in this one.

Listed Building Consent is sought (24/00505/LBC) for a modest series of environmental and access improvements at 17 Roseangle, premises of Dundee Art Society, which functions as our meeting venue. We support the proposals, considering that the efforts to reduce carbon emissions by replacing a gas boiler with a solar panel array and air source heat pump are a role model for other listed building upgrades. We also understand the need to improve access to parking and do not object to a short length of existing wall being removed for this purpose. Internally, the rearrangement of toilet facilities will enhance the amenity of this building.

Heat pump technology continues to generate a considerable amount of scepticism, so its performance for a building of this age and type will be highly informative. Our members stand to have first-hand experience as to whether our Net Zero future is shaping up to be a comfortable one!