The rejection of a plan for flats to replace an Angus garage block has been returned to the local authority for appeal determination.
The Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division said it has no remit relating to Muirhead Garage on the village’s Newtyle Road and the matter should be challenged through Angus Council’s review body.
It follows a decision by officials, taken under delegated powers, for the demolition of the garage building and its replacement with six flats in a two-storey block.
The proposal was the latest attempt by the garage owner to create housing on the site due to his approaching retirement, with previous schemes for twelve and nine flat developments previously withdrawn.
In a submission supporting the bid, the applicant’s agent said the latest had emerged in an effort to answer concerns raised in relation to the previous proposals.
They said the current access to the site would be retained, with a new driveway created along the site’s western boundary to serve ten off-street parking spaces at the rear of the new building, and a further two spaces created at the front. The car parking plans included two charging points for electric vehicles.
“Over the last 24 months our client has sought to obtain planning permission for the redevelopment of Muirhead Garage due in part to his imminent retirement and to facilitate the removal of a non-compatible Class 5 general industrial use in close proximity to housing,” said the applicant’s agent.
“Over the last 12 months we have sought to address the concerns of both the council and neighbouring residents that objected to our previous development proposals.
“This process has led to the creation of a responsive and high quality design solution that not only merits this prominent location but will greatly enhance the appearance of the Newtyle Road street scene.”
However, Angus planners said the proposed development would still create an out of character addition to the area and was against local policy.
The planning bid is now likely to be considered by the council’s own review body through the development management review committee.
