A disused industrial site overlooking Carnoustie’s golf links could be revitalised by plans for 82 new homes.
Taymouth Engineering Works and Casings, next to the east coast mainline, housed generations of businesses from 1902 but has become an “incongruous” sight next to the Barry Burn.
Ogilvie Homes has applied to build 58 private homes and 24 affordable flats on its 2.14-hectare brownfield site, with space for 62 vehicles, a playpark and “green”.
The developer, which built the nearby Maltings luxury accommodation, has been advised to carry out careful excavation and mitigation works due to asbestos and toxins found in the soil.
The works and other buildings were demolished between 2006 and last year, with the exception of the Carnoustie casings building.
A spokesman for the developer said: “The site is bounded by residential properties and, once the former casings buildings are removed, will be somewhat of an anomaly in the locale.
“Our proposal to develop the site as a residential development will bring this incongruous area of land back in line with its environment and will regenerate this brownfield site in the town centre.”
Environmental consultants have recommended that the outdoor spaces be underlaid with a 60cm protective layer of soil.
In his report for geo-environmental consultants Mason Evans, scientist Craig MacNeil said he found “elevated concentrations” of contaminants in the shallow soils.
“A 600mm capping layer should therefore be placed in garden and landscaped areas in order to mitigate the risk towards any future site users,” he said. “Chrysotile asbestos was detected in the shallow-made ground soils and demolition stockpile.
“The soils in this stockpile should be excavated and removed off site to mitigate any risk towards future construction workers and site users.
“Due to the presence of asbestos… it is recommended that an anti-dig basal layer is installed beneath the capping layer.”
Civil engineering practice Millard Consulting said the site is “very well located” to encourage sustainable transport and access would be by a loop road leading from Anderson Street.
A delegated decision on the application is expected to be made by October 21.