Bett Homes have won an appeal for a 25-house development in the Downfield area of Dundee.
Scottish Government reporter Sinead Lynch has ruled the council’s reasons for rejecting the project on land west of St Martin Crescent were overstated.
The council contended that the Bett Homes development was part of a bigger, 250-house project at Baldragon Farm set for development after 2020, and that priority should be given to other developments, including Western Gateway, due to start next year.
The reporter believed the early release of land for the 25-house development on the site near Clatto Park “would not give rise to a negative impact on the wider housing strategy for Dundee”.
Council concerns about flooding and drainage had been addressed and the argument that CraigowlPrimary could not cope did not take account of 20% of its roll being from outwith the catchment.
Managing placing requests would give the school a capacity of 92% and leave enough space for the nine pupils who would come from the Bett homes.
The reporter said Bett’s project does not comply with the development plan, but other material considerations justified granting planning permission.