The final piece of the Western Gateway development has been given the green light despite neighbours’ fears it could force them to become Dundee’s first gated community.
Another 100 homes were approved on Monday night for phase two following on from the approval of 595 homes at Dykes of Gray, on the edge of the city.
However, nearby West Green Park neighbours hit out at the density of the new development claiming it will be like an “invasion” for their suburban community.
Representatives of the privately funded development where residents have to pay for the upkeep of their own roads and green spaces which are not adopted by the council attended the council’s development management committee to air their concerns.
Ruth Bickerton said: “The density of houses is completely at odds with the area. This development has three times as many houses per hectare.
“This is simply as many houses shoved into a field as possible to maximise profits.”
Phase two comprises 100 homes, both four-bedroom and five-bedroom, as well as a village green.
However objectors spoke of their fear homes will be prioritised over the community facilities, leaving incoming residents looking to West Green Park’s facilities.
Leigh Brown said: “We have a lot of concerned residents. We are talking about erecting gates all around the estate because we have to pay such a hefty sum to maintain it.”
There were 78 objections to the plans for the western edge of the city, which borders West Green Park.
Hugh Tunstall-Pedoe, who has been a resident since 2007, even compared the situation to American presidential hopeful Donald Trump building a wall between America and Mexico and expressed concern about the returning red squirrel population.
However their fears were overruled after Councillor Ian Borthwick’s motion to defer for more community consultation was narrowly defeated.
Councillor Jimmy Black said: “Dundee needs these houses and they are important for the city. From the description I think they are going to be attractive homes.”
The applicant, Springfield Properties Ltd, said its master plan for the site could accommodate another 50 houses, however this would have to be subject to a separate planning application.
Architect for the development Mark Hamilton denied the development was dense and said it would be a positive addition to the local community.
He said: “This is a high quality, design driven development.
“The site has a unique character surrounded by mature trees. Most of the edges are covered in trees and it is well maintained.”