They wanted to sell the bikes in the Murraygate once a fortnight for the next two months and at the same time publicise the project and their showroom in Staffa Place, where the bikes can also be purchased.

John Main, of the Claverhouse Group told the licensing committee, “Claverhouse is the largest training provider in the area and our job programmes are not run for profit.” He explained the charity salvages scrapped bikes and repairs them so that they are roadworthy again.

“Over the last couple of months we have set up a refurbishment programme and recovered old bikes from Dundee up to Montrose,” he said. We have employed two guys to do them up and we want to get some exposure so we can sell them.”

Mr Main said the bikes would comply fully with health and safety standards.

But Lord Provost John Letford said, “We are very protective of the city centre and its reputation as one of the foremost regional shopping centres.

“I have some concerns about selling second-hand bicycles on our streets. I would not be comfortable selling reconditioned cycles in the Murraygate.”

Councillor Rod Wallace agreed that the bikes should not be allowed to be sold in the city centre. He said, “I have a lot of admiration for the work of the Claverhouse Group but we have to bear in mind our responsibilities to the bona fide shops selling bikes in the city.”

Councillors unanimously rejected the application by the Claverhouse Group.

Earlier in the meeting they approved an application for a Houses in Multiple Occupation licence for 2A Hazel Drive, despite receiving several letters of complaints from nearby residents.

Councillors granted the licence on the condition the owner, David Wilson, who lives near Montrose, employs a manager in Dundee who can manage the property on a day-to-day basis.