NEIGHBOURS ARE objecting to a proposed development of affordable flats planned for central Broughty Ferry.
The Brunton Design Studio of Carnoustie is behind the project at the corner of Brook Street and St Vincent Street, occupied by a dilapidated cottage. The plans are for 16 flats, five with two bedrooms and 11 single bedrooms.
The applicants have applied to the Scottish Government’s Greener Homes Innovation Scheme aimed at promoting the development of affordable housing, of which there is a shortage in Broughty Ferry.
Ian McGill, who lives at 173 St Vincent Street, said neighbours are objecting to the proposal on a number of grounds, and have started a petition calling for the application to be rejected.
There are 13 separate points to the objection in areas including contravention of the local plan, insufficient parking, loss of privacy, flood risk and drainage, traffic and overdevelopment of Brook Street.
He believed there was no material justification for allowing an exception to the local plan by granting the development and contended it did not allow for enough parking spaces. Two slots would be removed to allow the development so the net gain in spaces would be nine and not 11. There was also no parking for visitors.
The continued: “The first and second floor communal balconies overlook neighbouring properties in an unacceptable manner, and the development isn’t in keeping with the surrounding high-quality development.”
The application does not deal with flood risk assessment, an issue as Broughty Ferry has been identified in the TAYplan (correct) as being at high risk of flooding.
The impact on the drainage system is another concern as is the possibility of increased noise from vehicles arriving and leaving the development.
He continued: “There would also be an overdevelopment of the Brook Street house line such that it affects the character and amenity of the neighbouring properties and there will be more traffic on the already bottlenecked junction at the St Vincent Street/Queen Street traffic lights with an increased risk of accidents.”
He further believed the increase in affordable housing produced by the development would be minimal.
In supporting the application Allan Mudie, a partner in the Brunton Design Studio, said: “We appreciate that this is a sensitive area and the site lies within the Broughty Ferry Conservation area.
“However, we believe the proposal will contribute to the appearance of the area by providing a high-profile building using modern materials and design.
“The (cottage) property presently on the site is beyond economic repair and is becoming increasingly run down.
“It’s intended that the new modern development will be a welcoming and attractive landmark building.”
Rodger Brunton said: “There’s a huge demand for housing in Broughty Ferry, particularly affordable homes.
aargo@thecourier.co.uk