School capacity and GP access must get serious consideration in a planned 90-house expansion of the Angus village of Muirhead, councillors say.
Muir Homes want to build on 6.6 hectares of farmland off the Newtyle Road, to the north-west of the village.
A farm shop and orchard are included in the Fife-based housebuilder’s scheme.
Angus councillors considered the company’s Proposal of Application (PAN) notice this week.
And development standards committee members say the local community must be given a full say on the bid.
The committee’s new chairman says he is determined that should go beyond “a notice on a lamp post”.
The housing site is adjacent to the development boundary of Birkhill and Muirhead.
But it is not zoned for housing in the current local plan.
What is involved?
A PAN is a first stage for major planning applications.
It gives applicants a chance to present a brief outline of their proposal.
The Muir Homes site has the A923 Coupar Angus Road and B954 Newtyle Road running through it.
Planning officials have the opportunity to highlight areas which could be important in any future decision.
In the case of the Muirhead housing site they say those include:
- Whether there is currently sufficient housing land in the South Angus housing market area to meet housing land requirements
- The use of prime agricultural land for housing
- Impact on infrastructure including roads, education and healthcare provision
- Environmental considerations.
Committee’s early views
New development standards committee convener David Cheape says he considers the community’s views as paramount.
“On communication and consultation I’m a firm believer on the strength of that, to make it as apparent as possible and engage with everybody,” said the Carnoustie councillor.
“We need to do better that just putting a sign on a lamp post.
“I think as well that issues of local school capacities and GP practices need to be looked into.
“It’s good to have that background information with us before we consider any planning application.
“This is a proposal which is outwith the local development plan, but it’s just a PAN at this stage.”
Other members want to hear about what future plans there may be for pavements on the roads running through the site.
Arbroath councillor Brenda Durno said: “I don’t think the roads are particularly wide in this area.
“I’d need to have information from the roads department about the additional traffic expected from 90 houses and for that to be taken into consideration.”
The next step
Muir Homes cannot put a detailed planning application forward before next month.
The firm has already held two virtual consultations, and an in-person event at Muirhead Church hall.
The company has said it expects to lodge a submission in the autumn.
Muir Homes managing director Paul McKay said: “We are pleased with the response from the community to our recent public consultation events.
“We will now consider the feedback and comments from the community received during the PAN period.
“We will now consider these alongside all the relevant and necessary surveys and reports which are required to inform and develop the proposals further.
“A full report of pre-application consultation material and events will be provided to the council alongside any future planning application submitted.”
The deadline for public comments has been extended to June 29.
Comments can be made through the eastadamstonmuirhead.co.uk/ website for the proposal.
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