Parcel locker approved despite residents' traffic concerns

The InPost cabinet was erected in the grounds of the Carnoustie BB Hall last year on Maule Street.

Its ‘Scan, Tap and Go’ system allows customers to send, collect and return parcels from a QR controlled screen.

But the London-based firm installed the “modest” cabinet without planning permission from Angus Council.

In June 2025, the local authority received a complaint about the locker appearing outside the hall.

It then launched an enforcement investigation into the unauthorised development.

A retrospective application for the locker has been considered by councillors at a development standards committee.

During the meeting, which was held in Town and County Hall in Forfar recently, councillors heard that 10 letters of objection had been submitted to the council’s planners by Carnoustie residents.

Many highlighted the risk parked traffic has created at the busy junction with Carlogie Road.

Speaking during the meeting, objector Mr Higgins said: “This is a very busy pedestrian crossing with a school patrol in the morning and last thing at night.

“So for cars to park so close to a junction, I think is very dangerous.”

Despite the objections, council planning officers recommended the locker should be allowed to stay.

They argued that there is “ample on-street parking outwith the double yellow lines at the location” and those looking to pick up or drop off parcels had the “whole of Carlogie Road.”

However, the proposals split the committee.

SNP councillor Brenda Durno said: “There are plenty of other places this could be and I just think it’s an eyesore.”

Committee convener David Cheape added: “The experience clearly exemplified in the representations of objection cannot be overlooked in my mind.

“Especially for what I consider to be the important issue of road safety, particularly at a busy school crossing, and the impact on the amenity of local residents.”

However, SNP councillor Bill Duff led the call for the application to be approved.

He said: “If you look at the videos we’ve seen of the street, there is ample on-street parking outwith double yellow lines. So there should be no road safety issues.

“People are entitled to park on bits of the road where there are no yellow lines, and they can do that to pick up their parcels.

“I accept it is eye catching but it’s not a listed building, and these are obviously manufactured for this particular purpose.”

“It is providing a service.

“It’s a fact of life nowadays that people get parcels and they get them delivered by Amazon or whoever.

“You’re not going to reverse that by refusing this planning application, it will just get put somewhere else. Let’s be realistic about it.”

The application was approved by councillors, subject to conditions, with six voting in favour and five against.