Forfar housing application subject to government appeal

Forfar housing application subject to government appeal

Muir Homes is to appeal a decision to refuse its application for almost 160 new houses on the west of Forfar.

The developer submitted a revised proposal for a new development south of Glamis Road and to the west of Westfield Loan

The site contributes to the effective housing land supply in the council’s housing land audit and supports the development strategy in the Angus Local Development Plan (ADLP).

Muir’s revised plan for 159 homes, including 39 flats and houses for affordable rent, included a new site layout and supporting documents to address previous comments from Angus Council. The updated plans included a variety of house types, a new noise mitigation solution involving homes along the Glamis Road frontage, and new car parking provision.

However, planning officials had recommended the application for refusal and the council’s development standards committee unanimously followed their advice.

The location of a planned playpark near the busy road was branded “almost dangerous” by the committee chairman.

The application also prompted major concerns about the Lochlands junction on the A90 Forfar by-pass and the impact of increased traffic there.

But Muir Homes said there was no objection from Transport Scotland to the plans and has defended its proposal.

The Westfield application will now be the subject of an appeal to Scottish ministers.

A Muir Homes spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed and astonished that the committee rejected these plans.

“We have worked with a number of experts and professionals to deliver a proposal that is suitable for this site with its constraints, including creating a bespoke acoustic design for the homes along Glamis Road.”

Possible noise impact on residents from the road and Orchardbank industrial estate were a key concern for planners.

Muir Homes added: “With respect to Lochlands junction, Transport Scotland raised no objections to our plans.

“The proposed development is designed to deliver 40 affordable homes that are tailored to the needs of the current Forfar affordable housing waiting lists.

“It can, and we hope will yet, also deliver private homes in line with Angus Council’s housing policy on an allocated development site.”

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