Under-fire pub chain MacMerry300 has had a major planning request refused.
The trendy group - that run pubs, bars and nightclubs in Dundee and Glasgow - submitted three requests to Dundee City Council.
They all involved major changes to its Nola nightclub on Dundee’s Union Street.
The planning applications involved a change of use request from a nightclub to a public house, internal and external alterations to a listed building and the use of a projecting sign outside the premises.
But the council’s city development department axed the request in documents dated 18th January.
They said the change of use ‘does not contribute positively to the quality of the surrounding built environment.’
They also slammed new wood panelling that has since been erected on the outside of the building adding: “Further the design and finish is of a poor quality and the blackened timber plank finish creates a dead and unattractive frontage on a busy city centre street and an important and busy thoroughfare.”
Commenting on the projection and listed building applications, the council said both would have a detrimental impact on the character of the building and surrounding conservation area.
The decision is the latest in a series of woes to strike the pub group, run by Phil Donaldson and AJ McMenemy.
They are currently embroiled in a litany of complaints - relating to allegations of poor practice and ill treatment of staff.
Company bosses met with union reps to discuss over 60 grievances lodged by employees earlier this month.
The Record has previously detailed how more than 70% of their current workforce signed the collective grievance accusing the firm of breaching health and safety and Covid rules, not paying staff properly and of sexual impropriety by several staff.
In the days after the complaint was lodged, Mr Donaldson publicly accused the union of trying to drive the firm out of business and urged staff not to turn out at rallies in support of the workers.
Trade union rep Bryan Simpson has branded it “some of the worst mistreatment of workers I have ever witnessed in hospitality”.
MacMerry300 can still appeal the council’s decision to refuse the planning applications.
Company boss Phil Donaldson said today: "As always, the appropriate work is being carried out by our architect and legal team. We have clear and good communication with the local authorities regarding all of our regulated responsibilities.
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