The Scottish Government has seized the reins of a controversial planning application in Angus.
Developer Heathfield Ltd had plans to build 222 homes at the former Strathmartine Hospital approved by Angus councillors after heated talks in December, despite widespread anger and an objection from neighbouring Dundee City Council. The final say will now be Holyrood’s after the rare decision to call in the application to redevelop the site, which has lain empty and deteriorating since 2003.
The choice to call in is made only in cases of “national significance” according to the Scottish Government, whose reporter believed there is a potential conflict with Tayside’s 20-year housing strategy, the TAYplan.
A reporter has the authority to take the decision to a public inquiry, if necessary.
Lyndsey Murray, of the Directorate for Local Government and Communities, said in a letter to Angus Council: “Having considered the proposal, Scottish ministers have decided… to require the application to be referred to them for determination.
“The application will be submitted to the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals for an examination by a reporter of all the evidence… thereafter, the appointed reporter has been asked to submit a report, with recommendations, to Scottish ministers for their consideration and determination.
“Scottish ministers have given this direction because of the proposed development’s potential conflict with TAYplan and with key aspects of Scottish Planning Policy in terms of sustainable development.”
Angus Council planning officers recommended the application be refused, saying it is “contrary to development plan policy”, but councillors voted 12-9 in favour of approving the plans.
The move has been welcomed as a victory by Strathmartine Community Council chairman Duncan McCabe, who previously urged Communities Minister Alex Neil to block the decision.
He said: “Obviously we were hoping this is what would happen so it is great news.
“I think there’s a lesson here for Angus Council. They often talk about community, but in this application they ignored the pleas of the local community as well as the advice of their own experts.
“They didn’t consider all the factors. This shows they need to not just talk about community, but they need to heed their own words. Now, people are listening to our concerns.
“Obviously it will be a long-running process but having the application halted is a good first step, especially because this is what we’ve campaigned for.
“I’m sure the local community will be delighted.”
Heathfield’s plan is for the conversion of the B-listed hospital block into 24 flats and the creation of 198 new-build homes on the sprawling site.
The Strathmartine site was originally allocated for 40 homes in the Angus plan but applicants Heathfield Ltd told councillors such a small number would make redevelopment economically impossible.
Angus councillors were last week asked to stage a £100,000 gamble on defending their Strathmartine decision, along with others in the south of the county.