Company raises objections to proposed 300-house development in Forfar
One of Forfar’s biggest employers has objected to a 300-house development on the grounds that it could affect its current and future operations.
Don & Low is opposite the proposed site beside the A94 Glamis Road, the subject of a joint scheme by Scotia Homes and Muir Homes. An application for planning permission in principle was lodged with Angus Council earlier this year.
The company raised concerns including traffic issues and how the ‘agent of change’ principle would apply to its 24-hour operations. Planning policy obligates developers of noise sensitive properties such as housing to deal with potentially problematic noise sources. Previously rejected proposals included plans for windows to be kept closed on properties facing the Glamis Road factories.
In the objection, planning consultants Avison Young state: “It is critical the planning authority assures itself the proposals comply with relevant development plan policy, and that the proposals will not unduly impact upon existing businesses in the immediate area. We believe the proposals before the council do not demonstrate this.”
Don & Low says proposals do not go far enough to mitigate against noise, including a green space barrier between houses on the northern part of the site and Glamis Road.
The objection adds: “It does not comply with the ‘agent of change’ principles. As such, the proposal should be refused unless it can be demonstrated that satisfactory residential amenity can be achieved.”
Concerns were also raised about a planned spine road between Dundee Road and Glamis Road, which would be almost directly opposite Don & Low’s main points of entry.
The objection adds: “The current operation relies on HGVs delivering primarily from the A90 to the west and Glamis Road. The right turn out requires the crossing of both lanes of traffic, already an issue during peak hours given Glamis Road is one of only a few link roads into the town centre. The proposed development would introduce a significant increase in traffic volumes.”
It also points out that a proposed closure of Lochlands junction on the A90 would impact more on traffic volume, and calls for further assessment. A decision is expected in December.