A rural landowner has failed in a bid to convince councillors to give him extra time to tidy up land on the outskirts of Arbroath.
Murray Clark appeared before Angus development standards committee in Forfar to make a personal plea for an extra month’s grace to continue the clean-up operation at his Hunter’s Path premises near Arbirlot.
Committee members were shown slides going back over more than year which revealed the significant improvement in the area where vehicles, scrap metal and other materials had been stored.
Planning chief Ian Mitchell said: “We recognise that it has taken some time, that is not unusual, but we feel that we have made good progress.”
Officials pursued the clean-up over the untidy state of the land in breach of planning rules and the risk of contamination.
The report to committee suggested that the landowner be given one more month to fully comply before formal action is taken.
Alan McKeown, strategic director of communities, said: “The site is located close to the Elliot Water and adjacent to the policies of The Guynd. Given the nature of the materials being stored on site there is potential for contamination of both land and water courses in the area.
“Whilst the site is generally remote it is held that the untidy nature of the site does detract from the setting of the Guynd. In addition activity associated with the importation of scrap material to the site has potential to impact on the amenity of the wider area.”
Mr Clark previously stated the clean-up had been hampered by poor weather and his personal health, and he asked the committee for one further extension to complete the job. “I would like two months, which I’m willing to do,” he said.
Councillors unanimously agreed to stick to the recommended one-month deadline.