A former church hall in the heart of Broughty Ferry has been given the all clear for major redevelopment despite opposition from the local community council.
Councillors sitting on the development management committee have unanimously backed the recommendation of planning officers to allow the conversion of St Aidan’s Church hall in St Vincent Street.
The move allows the Forfar developer Taylor Shepherd Homes to press ahead with its vision to build homes as well as a funeral director at the north end of the site, fronting on to Brook Street.
They also have permission to build two houses in the middle with a further four flats at the southern end, overlooking Long Lane.
No letters of objection were submitted to the local authority from neighbouring residents over the application but Broughty Ferry Community Council opposed the move.
They expressed concern that the modern flats would clash with the character of the conservation area.
Councillors also supported planning officers’ recommendation to allow the demolition of the church’s south hall and two outbuildings as part of the build.
This decision was also made in the face of opposition from the community council who argued that the original copingstones delineating the boundaries of the site would be lost a view not shared by the council.
Community council planning secretary David Hewick said later that despite their official objection the group were “not adverse” to the development.
“We made some objection to try and make some mild improvements,” he said.
“Generally though we are quite happy.”