Appeal for Friockheim houses rejected over noise concerns

A full planning application seeking permission for the demolition of two cottages fronting Gardyne Street in Friockheim was lodged last year.

Under the plans, the cottages would be replaced with two two-storey terraced homes and one single-storey house.

However, council officers refused the application due to potential noise from the neighbouring pub, The Star Inn.

In a report outlining the reasons for the decision, case officer Ben Freeman wrote: “The development does not comply with (policy) as it does not demostrate that it is consistent with the agent of change principle.

“It may result in unacceptable noise issues given the proximity of the proposed residential units to the existing public house and associated beer garden and that the used of the established premises could continue without additional restrictions being placed on it as a result of the proposed new development.”

The applicant subsequently appealed the decision, and Angus Council’s development management review committee met recently to discuss it.

However, councillors opted to uphold the decision of officers and refuse the application.

Councillor Ian McLaren said: “In my view, the proposed application would result in an overdevelopment of the site, therefore I would refuse the appeal.”

During the meeting, committee convener Bill Duff was the sole supporter of the application.

He said: “I have to say that I had quite a lot of sympathy with the applicant’s apeal.

“I think a case could be made for approval in my opinion, but I’m clearly in the minority, so there is no point wasting time on that.”

Members of the public can comment on or object to planning applications. You can search for and view full documents for local applications via Public Notice Portal - publicnoticeportal.uk - or Angus Council's website.