A legal challenge to December’s approval for a major housing and business plan at Pitskelly Farm on the edge of Carnoustie has been lodged with the Court of Session.
The greenfield scheme was one of four major applications considered at an Angus Council meeting on December 18.
Councillors voted 13-8 to go against the refusal recommendation of officials and approve the DJ Laing/K&D Henderson scheme.
Opponents argued that the bid breached council policy and would use up prime agricultural land but the plan was described as a “no brainer” by Councillor BrianBoyd in terms of the opportunities it would offer.
A judicial review is now being soughtby Angus Estates which, with MuirHomes, has consent for a business park at Carlogie on the opposite side of the town.
Angus Estates were previously bedfellows with DJ Laing in the Carlogie scheme before the well-known firm’s ambition returned after a gap of some years to Pitskelly following access and drainage infrastructure upgrades around the Upper Victoria area.
Simon Laird of Angus Estates said: “When Angus councillors made these extraordinary decisions just before Christmas, I explained that anyone with a basic understanding of the planning system would find the councillors’ stated position truly bewildering.
“This remains the case.”
He added: “We have been progressing our plans to develop the business park at Carlogie.
“The council officers stated in their report that there is insufficient demand for two employment sites and that is one of the reasons why Pitskelly was recommended for refusal.
“To pay such little regard to the professional and unambiguous planning advice that their officers gave them has left us with no option than to seek an unbiased and professional review of the planning decisions and that is the reason that we have lodged papers with the court.
“The government has asked councils to adhere to a plan-based system and, given that we are so close to the council submitting their proposed plan to the government reporter, it is very surprising they have taken these pre-emptive decisions.”