A controversial house plan for a Monifieth garden is being recommended for approval by Angus planners.
Officials say the application for permission in principle to build the home on the grounds of Albert Street’s Fontstane House is in accordance with council policies, but the proposal has drawn a number of neighbour objections, with nearby residents upset at the prospect of trees being removed on the site.
The bid, to be considered by Angus development standards councillors at their first meeting of the new year on January 6, relates to a 760 square metre site in the garden of the 9 Albert Street property.
Council head of planning and place Vivien Smith said the application cannot be determined under delegated powers because of the eight letters of objection submitted from five properties.
The main issues raised in the objection are loss of amenity, visual impact, detrimental impact on wildlife in Fontstane Wood, road traffic and pedestrian safety, and the loss of trees.
In their supporting case, applicants Philip and Shona Leckie state there are 17 trees within the application site, including oak, silver birch, poplar, sycamore, apple, rowan, Japanese cherry and whitebeam.
Of the 17, 14 were planted between 2012 and 2013 to compensate for the loss of mature specimens which had been removed.
The planning report indicates the size of the plot is compatible with council policy, and would leave a sufficiently large area of garden for Fontstane House.
Angus Council roads department has not objected in respect of traffic safety and no comments on the proposal were received from Monifieth Community Council.
The council report states: “The planning service has previously given consent for the felling of a number of mature trees within the application site dating back to 2013.
“The majority of the trees in the replacement planting are relatively juvenile and could potentially be relocated elsewhere in the site.”
A mature sycamore has been identified as being ‘not in good condition’ and it may not be viable for retention in the long term.
The report points out that Fontstane Wood, which lies outwith the application site, is protected by a tree preservation order.
“Fontstane Wood contributes to the landscape setting of this area of Monifieth whereas the trees within the application site make a relatively minor contribution to the landscape setting of the wider area,” the report continues.
“Although trees would have to be felled within the application site to accommodate the proposed house, I do not consider those trees which are worthy of retention to have sufficient biodiversity of amenity value to justify planning permission.”