The CAFE will move to purpose-built premises in Lindsay Street.
By one vote, Tuesday's meeting of Arbroath's planning committee gave approval to the application, which would see De Vito's nightclub transfer from its present Millgate premises.

Councillors were told that both organisations had outgrown their buildings, and that CAFE was finding it increasingly difficult to meet maintenance costs of their premises, formerly a church.

At the meeting, Councillors Alex King and David Fairweather both declared an interest over a public meeting both had attended with objectors to the application. This left Councillor Bob Spink as the only Arbroath representative round the table.

There were seven letters of objection, listing points such as additional noise in the area, over-provision of pubs in the area with bottles and glasses already left on window sills and walls, proximity to the dual carriageway, litter, additional nuisance from people vomiting and urinating on the pavement, and expansion of the area that must be covered by Tayside Police.

Other points mentioned included a perceived problem if the existing fire exit, down a narrow lane which is communal with adjoining properties, had to cope with a large number of people. It was also pointed out that a place of worship, the Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Hall, is directly next door.

Another letter said that noise from the CAFE was tolerated because of its valuable social role in Arbroath, but noise from a nightclub would be a different matter.

Mr Spink moved refusal, and was seconded by Montrose Councillor Paul Valentine, who stated that if this proposal had been next to an active Church of Scotland church the general view might have been different.
At the vote Mr Spink's amendment was defeated by a single vote and the application was granted.