The property developers behind a bid to bring hundreds of new homes to Dundee have vowed to plough on with the development despite the “bizarre” decision by councillors to block one half of it.
The chairman of Springfield Properties, Sandy Adam, told The Courier he will take the matter as high as the Scottish Government, after councillors rejected one part of the application but passed the second element seeking to build almost 600 houses near Liff.
He said: “We will just have to revisit the first application because last night was a bit of an anomaly. I’ve been to a lot of planning meetings in my time so I’m never surprised by what goes on, but it was bizarre that the part which was rejected contained the community facilities.”
Despite the complicated result, Mr Adam says he is happy to have made some progress.
“We’re very pleased we’ve got approval and are now able to get a start on the Dundee village.”
Asked what the company’s view was on the primary school position, he said: “It would obviously be better for our customers if there was a primary school there, but we’ll be having a chat with the officers and see what can be done.
“We are absolutely committed to Dundee. As I said at the meeting, we’re going ahead with the Swallow roundabout plans and we’ll be putting in the utilities and services for the site we have approval on. We’re making progress and I’m sure we’ll get it rectified in time.
“We’ll take stock over the Christmas holidays.”
The situation described as “madness” by one councillor, arose when Councillor Craig Melville, who had voted to reject the first plan, left the room before the second vote took place.
Meanwhile, Councillor Mohammed Asif, who had arrived late for the first debate and was therefore barred from taking part, then voted for approval of the second application.
That simple twist of fate saw a swing from 12-10 against the first application to a tied vote of 11-11 for the second, with convener David Bowes’ casting vote resulting in that application being approved.
Mr Adam told the committee he was satisfied with the council’s position that Ardler Primary and Baldragon Academy could accommodate the expected number of children moving into the villages and, therefore, they had no plans to build a school.
Ruth Bickerton, of West Green Park residents’ association, described the vote as the “worst possible option,” while another resident, Professor Hugh Tunstall-Pedoe, added: “They must provide educational facilities within easy reach.”
Neither Mr Melville nor Mr Asif could be contacted for comment.