A massive development proposed for Carnoustie will see it become an “arid dormitory suburb of Dundee,” it has been claimed.
Dubbed “Carnoustie 2” by its opponents, developer the Muir Group has signalled its intention to bid for an extension to the town on its east boundary, along Carlogie Road.
Peter Burke of Carnoustie Development Group (CDG) commented after a presentation to the town’s community council by Joe Noble, a spokesman for the group.
“The CDG has concluded that we cannot support their proposal as it stands,” he said.
“The two key issues are firstly that the proposed development is totally outwith and separate from the existing town of Carnoustie, as it is alongside the main A92 and we dubbed it ‘Carnoustie 2’ as a result.”
Mr Noble said the Muir-owned area of land is merely an outline for what could happen to the town, including scope for leisure and a green belt. Mr Noble had said the main shopping of Carnoustie residents is done outside town.
Mr Burke said the development group felt a supermarket outside town would have a detrimental effect.
He said: “As the proposal includes a supermarket outwith the town, this will lead to a drain on the facilities on the High Street, which various civic group are doing their best to enhance.
“This will, thus, lead to a situation similar to Arbroath High Street, with only a few, rather sad, shops.”
He added: “The proposed development will be alongside and highly visible from the A92, giving the impression of yet more urban sprawl and removing any opportunity for any form of green belt.
“As a result, this development will no doubt become yet another arid dormitory suburb of Dundee.”
Mr Noble, director of business development for ESEP Ltd, discussed the firm’s “very strong presence in Angus” and its hopes for adding to Carnoustie over the next 20 years.
He said the firm has a “good track record” in Forfar, Kirriemuir and Arbroath, with operating profits of £2.9 million last year. His talk identified two main development prospects for the town at Upper Victoria and Carlogie.
He said the firm recognised a need to develop an improved route into town along Carlogie Road, which would cost around £1 million and lies on wholly council-owned land.
Development and planning consultant James Lochhead told attendees the Tayplan schedule for housing in south Angus requires around 80 homes be built in Birkhill, Monifieth and Carnoustie each year.
A development plan may go before the Scottish Government in early 2015, with a view of possible development unlikely before 2016. The next meeting of the CDG is next Tuesday at 7pm in the Kinloch Arms Hotel.
The group is a network of individuals, local community groups and organisations, who work together for the future development of Carnoustie and the surrounding area for the residents and visitors.
Contact the local community planning team on 01241 803 562, by email to cpofficer@angus.gov.uk for further information.