Yahoo News Falkirk canalside bistro's fate remains undecided
The fate of a Falkirk canalside cafe, bar and bistro remains undecided as councillors agreed to go and see the site before making a decision.
Members of Falkirk Council' s planning committee had been expected to discuss the transformation of Bridge 49 Cafe Bar and Bistro when it met today (Wednesday).
A separate planning application has been submitted that would see the cafe on the banks of the Union Canal, near Muiravonside, being transformed into two holiday homes.
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But the change would require scrapping a legal agreement that was put in place by Falkirk Council when planning permission was first granted in 2013.
Lower Braes councillor Gordon Forrest urged members to attend a site visit before making any decision.
He said: "The change of use will affect a great many people.
"This building was originally erected for this use and 14 years later they want to change it.
"I think it would be in everyone's interest to and go and visit it and see what it's all about."
At the time, planning consent was granted on condition that the bistro, the manager's house and three holiday cottages - which have not yet been built - were regarded as 'a package'.
Now, owners, Mr and Mrs Maloney say the bistro is no longer 'economically viable' and they have submitted a separate planning application to transform it into two cottages.
In their planning application, they add that given the shortage of holiday accommodation in the Falkirk area, the benefits of the new accommodation "will far outweigh the loss of the café".
A deputation that was expected to be made on behalf of the site owners has also been postponed.
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