Letham Grange owners delay second consultation event on controversial redevelopment bid

Owners of the one-time luxury golf resort near Arbroath say they need more time to consider the volume of local feedback from an initial community consultation last month.

By Graham Brown

October 31 2023, 10:35am

Dozens of images from inside Letham Grange were recently posted online. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.

Letham Grange owners have postponed a planned public consultation session on their plans to redevelop the one-time luxury Angus golf resort.

The second showcase event was due to be staged in Arbroath next week.

But they say more time is needed to consider early feedback to proposals to return the hotel and golf course near Arbroath to former glory.

Locals fear the masterplan will bring a bid for hundreds of new homes on the estate.

Letham Grange estate near Arbroath — What was once ‘Scotland’s Augusta’ has fallen into sad decline. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.

Hong Kong-based Smartwill Investment lodged a proposal of application notice (PAN) with Angus Council in August.

The major application proposes:

Redevelopment of Letham Grange Hotel and Spa
Reconfiguration of the existing golf course
Holiday lodges and bunkhouse accommodation in disused buildings
New cafes and restaurants
Residential development
Landscape and biodiversity enhancement

Community reaction

Last month, Colliston Hall hosted the first public consultation under the PAN process.

It drew a large local turnout.

But many were resistant to a large number of new homes being added to Letham Grange.

Letham Grange planning consultation — Letham Grange residents turned out in force for the first public consultation event. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

And they said the Taiwanese Liu family – who regained control of Letham Grange after a 15-year legal battle – must rebuild trust with the community there after broken promises and the demise of the hotel in 2011.

The second public consultation session was due to take place in Arbroath a week from now.

Locals hoped to receive more detail on the proposals – particularly the number of new homes planned.

They are concerned the blueprint may be similar to a 2021 proposal for more than 200 new houses.

High level of local feedback

Edinburgh-based planning expert Robin Holder said the large volume of local feedback has led to the next event being put back.

“We were delighted with the very high turn-out of local people, and I would like to thank everyone who attended and provided feedback.

“It was extremely helpful to hear all of the views expressed on the future of Letham Grange, which will help us develop our thoughts for further consultation.

“Reflecting on the numerous comments made, it has become clear that we will need some more time to think about our proposals before consulting again.

“We are therefore postponing the next event which was due to take place on November 7 at Old and Abbey Church in Arbroath.

“We hope that this will not inconvenience people, and we intend to re-publicise a new date in due course.”