The Scottish Government has approved plans for a new 150-house development in the Linlathen area of Dundee.
Plans for the Balgillo Heights project were rejected by Dundee councillors in June.
Although officers had recommended the plan for approval, members of Dundee City Council’s planning committee rejected the proposals because they did not fit in with the then local development plan.
Pleas from developer Kirkwood Homes that the scheme would fit in with the new local development plan, which was finally published last week, fell on deaf ears.
The new local development plan states there is room for 250 homes on the site.
The Scottish Government has now decided Kirkwood Homes can proceed with the development, which will mean they do not need to submit a new planning application to Dundee City Council.
Colin Crombie, Kirkwood Homes’ managing director said: “We are absolutely delighted with the decision.
“We were always confident that our proposals were well considered and appropriate for the site, and I am very pleased that in his deliberation’s, the Reporter agrees with this.
“Dundee remains a key area for investment for Kirkwood Homes, and we look forward bringing forward not just these new homes at Balgillo Heights, but also investing further into Dundee and playing our part in continuing to boost the local area’s economy.”
More than 600 people registered interested in buying one of the new homes during a public consultation exercise last year.
Kirkwood Homes said the planning committee’s decision last year could deter investment in Dundee.
The Scottish Government-appointed Reporter said he was minded to grant permission for the development but there will be planning obligations the developer must meet.
These include a contribution of £750,000, or £5,000 per house, for a new primary school and improvements to the Claypotts junction in order to ease congestion.
Broughty Ferry Liberal Democrat councillor Craig Duncan, who voted against the application in June, said: “If it’s part of the new development plan, then obviously things are a bit different.
“My objection last time was it contravened the existing plan. Either the council has plans or it doesn’t.”
Mr Duncan added he was pleased issues around infrastructure will be addressed.
He said:” I’m not going to stand here King Canute like in the way of developments forever, everybody needs a place to live.
“My concern is it would be reckless for the council to allow a sizeable number of homes to be built without any infrastructure.”
