MUIR Homes has had a planning appeal rejected for the development of 159 homes, including 40 affordable homes, on land at Westfield Loan in Forfar.
The housebuilder said it had previously revised its planning application based on feedback from the planning authority, so that homes would complement surrounding architecture and natural environment. The business also altered plans to accommodate more active travel links through the site, blue green networks, and to provide easy access to local amenities through walking and cycling.
Muir added that the site, located south of Glamis Road and to the west of Westfield Loan, supports the development strategy in the Angus Local Development Plan for the planned growth of Forfar. However, the Scottish Government reporter rejected the proposal, because he felt it ‘fails to fully satisfy the six qualities of a successful place as set out in National Planning Framework 4’.
Nicola McCowan Hill, land and planning manager, Muir Homes, said, “It is incredibly disappointing to see our revised plans rejected. We put in a significant amount of effort and worked closely with a number of experts and professional consultants to provide solutions to the various physical and technical constraints this site presents.
“However, we accept that the local authority requires a different approach. We are now seeking to engage directly with them to bring forward new plans for housing in Forfar which is so badly needed.
“Muir Homes is committed to working with the local authority and the community to deliver housing on this site in the near future. We look forward to restarting engagement and consulting on a new proposal.”
