Axe-throwing plan for proposed bar prompts concern from council official
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Concerns have been voiced about plans for a new Inverness bar which could feature axe-throwing.
Robin Fraser, of Highland Council's environmental health department, has lodged a response to the planning application for Academy Street.
Taran Campbell (37) and business partner David Montgomery (31) are seeking permission to redevelop 27-31 Academy Street as an innovative games-themed pub and restaurant over three floors, with two attractive roof terraces.
By knocking through a wall to link the sizeable property, which fills a premises vacated by Ponden Home Interiors, with the vacant former Highland Hospice shop and cellar on Queensgate, the business would occupy four floors in all.
The business partners are hopeful they can create 25 to 30 jobs.
Playback, as it will be named, would aim to tune into the hot trend of “competitive socialising”, with an unusual array of games and activities to divert customers.
As well as three separate bars and dining areas, there will be self-service beer taps, table-tennis, beer pong, darts, pool, arcade games and shuffleboard.
With high standards of safe supervision, the bar will also feature axe-throwing within a special safety cage.
However, the council official has indicated an intention to object to the plans.
Robin Fraser stated: "The proposed development includes several aspects which may have an adverse impact on any nearby residents.
"The main concern would be noise and disturbance from the proposed external roof terraces but there is also potential for music and other noise arising from within the premises.
"I note the plans show provision for an axe-throwing area. Aside from the potential noise there would be concerns about the safety of such an activity within licensed premises.
"I understand the changes will still include the provision of food therefore, there will be a need for adequate filtration and dispersion of cooking odours to prevent any adverse impact on nearby residents."
Concerns were outlined in further detail, including under health and safety: "The applicant is required to provide details of how the proposed axe-throwing facility will operate and how it will be managed to ensure the safety of patrons and to ensure that nobody under the influence of alcohol is permitted to take part.
"This may not necessarily be an issue for the planning authority however, if there are concerns about the safety of customers and participants, the area designated for axe-throwing activities may not be viable."
While axe-throwing is a pursuit which initially stirred some controversy, it is now widely acknowledged to be a safe social pastime.
Mr Campbell previously said: “It is a sober activity and participants wishing to take part do it before they consume any alcohol.
“It takes place in closed cages, with one person allowed in at a time, supervised by a member of staff. It is very safe and heavily-controlled.”
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