A “mystery” over why a “half-built” 12ft path has been constructed in the middle of the Swallow Roundabout in Dundee has been solved.
The path, which appeared out of the blue a few weeks ago, does not lead anywhere – causing puzzled Perthshire councillor Alasdair Bailey to raise questions over why it has been installed.
It has now emerged that the path has been built as part of long-planned works on a major upgrade of the roundabout – though the wider upgrade itself could still be months away.
Construction of the path means that planning permission for the upgrade – which had been due to expire at the end of March – remains in place indefinitely.
‘It makes sense, in a way’
That gives developer Springfield Properties as much time as it wants to complete the project, rather than having to reapply for permission.
Describing the path as a “mystery”, Mr Bailey said: “(The path) has really been bugging me but now it makes sense, in a way.
“Planning permission remains valid forever once you’ve started the works.
“Therefore the most likely reason we have a half-built, 12ft-long section of pathway is that by building that, the developer creates a situation where the planning permission stays live forever.”
The improvement works at the Swallow Roundabout are linked to the nearby Western Gateway housing development.
It is hoped the work will help the junction cope with increased traffic.
Both the councils in Dundee and Perth and Kinross have confirmed the construction of the path is linked to the planning permission.
Residents ‘frustrated’ at lack of work
Several years in the planning, a breakthrough on the upgrade was made in 2021 when a wrangle over a so-called “ransom strip” of land came to an end.
But with the work still not under way, residents are unhappy.
Bill Batchelor, chairman of Western Gateway Community Council, told The Courier: “The main work for this junction is still subject to agreement between Springfield and Transport Scotland and will not start until a minute of agreement has been signed by both parties.
“In the meantime, Springfield have built two paths outwith the Transport Scotland area to meet a planning requirement for Dundee City Council and Perth and Kinross which was due to expire in March.
“We are extremely frustrated with the continuing delays. The project is now three years behind schedule.”
Transport Scotland says it is “working with Springfield Properties to deal with all outstanding matters around the scheme”.
A spokesperson added: “We hope to finalise the minute of agreement so the improvement works at the A90 Swallow Roundabout can proceed as soon as possible.”
Springfield gives update on Swallow Roundabout upgrade
Springfield Properties told The Courier the project is “complicated” with “lots of moving parts involving a number of stakeholders”.
In a statement, a spokesperson added: “We were pleased to be able to undertake some preparatory work on land within our control ahead of the full upgrades.
“This work successfully implements the planning for the approved works and the priority now is for Transport Scotland to provide the consent we need to fully progress the junction upgrades.
“We continue to liaise with Dundee City Council and the local community to keep them up to date.”
