Councillors have cleared the way for the demolition of Monifieth’s fire-ravaged Milton Mill.
Less than a month after deferring a plan to redevelop the B-listed property into 14 mews-type properties, Angus development standards committee members said they reluctantly accepted that the landmark was beyond saving.
Developers H. & H. Properties plan to recreate the mill building’s appearance in the new project and an agent for the company promised the community a project which Monifieth could be proud of.
The mill has fallen into a state of decay since fire ripped through it in 2006, but agent Alistair Kerr said that even before then there were major problems with the fabric of the building.
“The only way we can remedy the situation safely is to take down the walls and rebuild them,” he said.
“We are not in the business of trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes we want things to be done properly,” he added.
Monifieth Community Council and Councillor John Whyte had urged councillors to further defer the plan for more local consultation, but the committee unanimously agreed to give the green light for demolition.
“The building is very important, not just to the people of Monifieth but the people of Angus and Scotland,” said Councillor Jean Lee, who registered her dissent against the approval decision.
“It is very regrettable that we find ourselves in the situation today where we are told we cannot force the company to get a full independent structural engineer’s report, which was the reason for the deferral.
“I think the system is regrettable, the lack of transparency has been lamentable and I hope there is not a bad feeling kept about this building in the future.”
Independent Bob Spink said, “Knocking down old buildings is something I detest I am conservationally-minded.
“But in all things there is a time you have to recognise that something cannot be saved. Very reluctantly I am of the opinion that we go with the approval report.”
Committee convener David Lumgair said, “I just don’t believe it’s possible for it to be left for housing as it stands.”