Plans for 136 new homes in Forfar halted

Plans for 136 new homes in Forfar halted

Muir Homes’ plan to build 136 new homes on the edge of Forfar has been delayed after planning officials urged Angus Council’s area development standards committee to reject it.

The developers hope that the Westfield Loan development would eventually comprise of 300 houses.

The delay came after a noise assessment suggested more than 50 houses would have to keep their windows shut to block out noise from the Glamis Road and the factories of textile firm Don & Low which is located opposite the site.

As a result, the proposal was dropped from this week’s planning committee agenda before it could be discussed by Angus councillors, The Courier reports.

Planners at Angus Council have also argued that the Muir masterplan has “significant design failings”. They said: “The layout does not respond well to the character of the surrounding area and does not comply with the council’s design policies.

“It has been prepared largely in the absence of supporting assessments to justify the proposed approach, and specifically to justify the suggestion the site can accommodate significantly more homes than anticipated.”

They added: “A development of overall poor design quality that does not provide an acceptable residential amenity for future residents is not regarded in overall terms as a sustainable development.

“The long-term harm which would be associated with the proposal outweighs any benefits of addressing a shortfall in housing land supply.”

Don & Low was concerned about receiving complaints about factory noise from the new houses, which could put its 24-hour operations at risk. However, the firm has since withdrawn its opposition and said it was happy with mitigation conditions including a three-metre bund topped by a two-metre fence on the Glamis Road frontage.

Muir Homes has yet to comment on the reasons for withdrawal and if revised plans will be submitted.

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