Floudering plans to turn a disused listed Angus building into 40 affordable properties have finally been given the seal of approval.
A scheme to create the new medium to low rent properties will go ahead at the old Baltic Mill on Dens Road, Arbroath, following years of stalling in the council’s Survive and Thrive plans.
Council officers finally approved the plans to transform the former mill house into 39 flats under delegated powers.
John Carswell, director of site owners Dens Road (Arbroath), told The Courier: “This is very good news that’s been 16 years in coming.
“The council have worked very well with us and the real winners will be the people of Arbroath. This is 39 new houses in a place where people are desperate for them.”
The move has been praised by Councillor David Fairweather, who saw the plans first established in the previous Angus Alliance administration.
Mr Fairweather said: “Dens Road was a successful bidder for the Survive and Thrive project by the Angus Alliance in the previous administration.
“That project was introduced by former councillor Jim Millar, who was the only councillor in Scotland to achieve the post- graduate diploma in housing and elected to the corporate membership of the chartered institute of housing.
“Survive and Thrive is now delivering much needed affordable housing and Dens Road will play a significant role in that regeneration to alleviate fuel poverty while creating jobs and training opportunities.
“Being involved in this from when I first became a councillor in 2007, it is with great satisfaction that this project now brings a listed building back into use for the benefit of much needed housing.”
The application was eventually approved subject to conditions one of which is that work has to begin within three years.
The mill was built as a power loom linen weaving factory and formed part of local businessman Andrew Lowson’s empire during the mid to late 19th Century.
A recent report from the buildings at risk register states the condition has deteriorated since the site was visited in 2003.