Millions of pounds could be pumped into the Angus economy after a 300-home plan was exclusively revealed to The Courier.
Elite Homes (Tayside) Ltd has lodged a pre-application notification with Angus Council for a site in Forfar, which would border a planned £24.5 million school community hub.
The first houses north of Turfbeg could be finished in 2016, the year in which the replacement for Forfar Academy would be ready.
Mark Guild, managing director of Elite’s associate firm Guild Homes, said the local company is “wholeheartedly committed” to delivering housing in Angus, and between 80 and 100 local tradesmen would be employed throughout the project.
“When other national companies vanished like snow off a dyke, we remained,” he said.
“Most importantly, throughout the credit crunch when other developers have faltered in their commitment to Angus, Guild Homes has continued to provide high-quality family homes to the local community.
“This current proposed development will allow Guild Homes as a local company to further strengthen their commitment to the local economy for many years to come.”
The next step for the plans would be lodging a formal planning application. Elite promoted Turfbeg as appropriate for new development at the time of the Angus local plan review.
A Scottish Government Reporter confirmed it was the correct direction for growth and consequently recommended that the site be safeguarded for possible residential development and related community facilities.
This was confirmed by Angus Council and included as Policy F9 in the adopted Angus Local Plan Review 2009.
The proposed development may also offer other potential developers looking to build in Forfar an opportunity to share land and provide choice to the community.
A spokesman for Elite said: “With this background and in order that Elite Homes and their associate company Guild Homes (Tayside) Ltd can ensure the effective delivery of new housing land in Forfar, continuity of development and guaranteeing long-term job security for their local employees and subcontractors, it is considered appropriate to start the planning application process now with the hope that if all permissions are successful the initial infrastructure works can start on site in 2015 with an expectation of the first housing completions in 2016.”
The pre-application is for the “proposed mixed development comprising residential development with associated roads and landscaping and community facilities on land at Turfbeg Farm, Kirriemuir Road, Forfar”.
Two consultation events will take place in the Lesser Reid Hall on May 10, between 4pm and 8pm, and May 11, between noon and 4pm.
The firm said neighbours, residents and interested parties are invited to attend and view the proposed draft master plan.
Any requests for more information can be directed to Elite’s office on 01307 460011.