Controversial new plans have been submitted for flats on the site of a historic cottage in Broughty Ferry.
The architects of the new development hope their proposal for 10 rented flats at the corner of Brook Street and St Vincent Street will succeed where last year’s bid for 16 houses failed.
That bid ran into strong criticism and was rejected by Dundee City Council on the grounds the 16 flats would have “a significantly low level of amenity and environmental quality”.
It was felt they were too small, lacked car parking and private open space and would overlook the homes of neighbours.
It was also considered the 2013 development would adversely impact on the appearance of the streetscapes as well as surrounding listed buildings.
Roger Brunton of Brunton Design, acting for Anthony Moir, owner of the 18th Century cottage at 383 Brook Street, said they had taken on board the comments made last year in putting together the new proposal.
The plans would see the demolition of the Moir family’s cottage at the corner but he said the building is in poor condition and was uneconomic to upgrade.
“We are now proposing a block of two-and-a-half storeys with 10 flats rather than three storeys with 16,” he said.
“It would be of traditional design and similar to other developments in the area as opposed to the contemporary design that was proposed last year.
“The flats would be built to the highest of standards and all of them with off-street parking accessed from Brook Street.
“We’ve taken on board that and other issues that came up last time and have had a great deal of discussions with the planning department in producing the new plans.
“The streetscape and lines of the adjacent properties will be retained.
“We think it is a better use of the site and is what Broughty Ferry needs at the moment.
“There is a shortage of rented accommodation in Broughty Ferry and our proposal will meet that need.”
Ian McGill, Mr Moir’s neighbour round the corner at 173 St Vincent Street, organised a petition in objection to last year’s proposal, and is preparing to protest against the latest scheme.
“I am against flats being built next door because it is totally out of keeping with the buildings in the area,” he said.
“There are bungalows on the other side of No 383 and surely the new building should be a bungalow to maintain the lines of the row of buildings.”
David Hewick, planning secretary of Broughty Ferry Community Council, said: “I am concerned that the latest proposal would see the demolition of a listed 18th Century cottage. One of the main reasons to extend the Broughty Ferry conservation zone is to protect important historic buildings like this cottage.
“We cannot say any more at this stage until we have had a chance to study the latest proposal.”