The outline of a £60 million golf course and housing estate could take shape earlier than previously hoped.
A relaxation of planning conditions for a leisure complex north-east of Wellbank, has been agreed by Angus Council’s development standards committee.
Variations are anticipated to speed the development, adjacent to the Forbes of Kingennie resort.
The development’s master plan included an 18-hole championship golf course, a golf academy and clubhouse, a 150-bedroom five star hotel and 160 houses.
However, Angus councillors have noted the importance of keeping a weather eye on this approach, in order to make sure the whole development goes ahead.
Deputy service director Ian Mitchell said at the meeting: “This had been the subject of planning approval at a committee in 2010. “At that time we wanted to ensure the project came forward. It now transpires the intent may be to build the hotel first.” Committee convener Rob Murray said: “I think it’s important to have some control over this application, so a lot of suburban housing in Wellbank will not go without the benefit of the larger development.”
Permissions for the project were granted by Angus Council in November 2010, despite opposition from some members of the community, who feared the area was being over-developed.
Approval was subject to conditions and a Section 75 agreement to cover affordable housing, education provision and open space contributions. Economic reports have estimated the resort will increase tourism in the area by 50% by 2015, which will be worth around £30m to the local economy.
Service director Eric Lowson proposed that updates on variations be presented before full committee, rather than decided on by officers.
He said: “Legislation currently requires for applications to vary conditions attached to a major development to be subject of pre-application consultation requirements. “The proposal to stage the submission of detailed design information to facilitate the earlier commencement of development on site would be determined by the development standards committee.
“Subsequent applications for approval of matters specified in conditions could potentially be dealt with under the scheme of delegation to officers.
“However, given the significance of the proposal and the level of public interest it is considered appropriate that such applications should be determined by the development standards committee.”