A major funding question mark continues to hang over the delivery of a new sports facility for Carnoustie.
The 12-year dream of creating pitches at Newton Farm has at least moved a step closer after Angus communities committee councillors signalled the green light for groundworks at the site.
The authority has promised the pitches will be laid but the bigger plan of putting changing accommodation and car parking on site hinges on a £200,000 injection of external funding.
The council scooped up the site near Carnoustie High School for just £1 under an option written into a planning agreement following approval of more than 150 homes there back in 2003.
Early discussions highlighted a need for more pitches and the plan’s lengthy gestation saw public consultation events staged at the beginning and towards the end of last year.
The communities committee heard the next stage of the scheme is the submission of a full planning application for the development of the grass pitches, improved drainage, changing accommodation and parking.
An official report cautioned, however, that the changing rooms, sewage services and parking are dependent on external funding and the project would be scaled down if that is not forthcoming.
“On completion of a successful planning application, it is proposed to complete a new application for grant aid to sportscotland,” added the report.
Feasibility studies have placed the two options at £201,278 for the pitches only and £260,494 for the full package.
Angus Provost Helen Oswald, who previously said the loss of sports ground for the building of the new high school had remained a “sore point”, said she hoped the scheme would finally come to fruition following the “very positive” public meetings.
Fellow town councillor Brian Boyd said: “This is another good news story for Carnoustie and I hope that the external funding will work in.
“We have to go for grants and, if we are successful, it will mean we have benefited to the tune of £3,750,000 (in Carnoustie) which is great news.”
Committee convener Donald Morrison said: “I hope the external funding can be sourced and we can see this full project completed.”