The company behind plans to build roadside services next to the southern stretch of the A90 has been urged to start work on the crucial project.
There is still no start date for building work at the site in Forfar’s Orchardbank Business Park, with developer EG Group yet to submit an application for a building warrant.
Councillors granted the roadside services specialist planning permission for the petrol station, retail unit, restaurant, drive-thru and HGV parking in August.
The company said the project would deliver 60 jobs directly and it was hoped the new services would lead to a string of other companies moving into the park.
But commuters are still waiting for work to begin with new signage on the land next to the council’s headquarters the only mark of the development progressing.
Arbroath West Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Moore hit out at the site remaining empty a year after colleagues voted to approve the plans.
He said: “Given the comments of EG Group when permission was granted I am very surprised that the land is still barren.
“New employment opportunities, enhancing the vibrancy of the business park, attracting new occupiers and potentially stimulating economic growth are all laudable targets, but they won’t happen if the facility isn’t developed.”
Forfar SNP councillor Lynne Devine said: “I am surprised that a company of this size has not gone ahead with submitting its building warrant application.”
When complete, the facility will measure 5,000 square metres and have a substantial glass frontage.
It will join those at Stracathro servicing motorists on the A90 between Dundee and Aberdeen, after similar proposals further up the route at Mains of Luther fell through earlier this year
When recommending councillors approve the Forfar scheme, officers said the local development plan deemed the site suitable for a range of uses including roadside services and said the scheme would be “a new, improved facility” for the location.
With around 360 sites across the UK, EG Group markets itself as “one of UK’s fastest growing and most recognisable forecourt operators.”
Nazia Shah, senior planner at EG Group, said: “The sign that has been placed is the normal EG acquired signage.
“Planning permission has been granted. However, in terms of construction start dates, these have not yet been confirmed. The scheme shall come forward soon.”
An Angus Council spokeswoman said: “We are delighted to be working with EG Group on this development at Orchardbank.”
