Redevelopment of a former jute mill for housing would help regenerate a vacant and semi-derelict area of Lochee, according to Dundee City Council’s most senior planning official.

Applications for planning permission and listed building consent have been made by Forman Construction to convert the category B Pitalpin Mill into 16 flats, sub-divide an annexe into two houses and build 11 new houses on the adjacent industrial site. More than 20 car parking spaces will also be provided.

The applications, which have been recommended for approval by planning and transportation director Mike Galloway, are scheduled to go before the development quality committee tonight.

Located between Pitalpin Street and Stewart’s Lane, the stone-built former mill is predominantly two storeys high.

Mr Galloway said the roof has been removed, adding to the semi-derelict appearance of the structure.

He said statutory neighbour notification had been carried out by the applicants and the proposal was advertised in the local press.

No objections had been received.

Because of the restrictive nature of the annexe site the amount of private garden ground proposed for the two houses falls below the standard required under development plan policy.

Although that, plus the provision of a one-bedroom flat, meant the proposal was not in full compliance with the requirements of the development plan, the director felt that these were minor departures.

“The existing mill building is in an advanced state of disrepair and lies in a relatively ruinous state,” Mr Galloway said.

“The roof of the building is missing, which undoubtedly added to the poor condition of the structure.”

He said the proposals represented an exciting opportunity to convert the listed building back into a use that would guarantee its presence in the area for years to come.

Historic Scotland has been involved in informal discussions about the development and has not offered any objections.

Mr Galloway said the details of the application embodied the principles set out in the approved planning brief for the site, which indicates how the council would want to see it developed.

“The submitted details will ensure that the site will be developed in a manner that reflects the council’s aspirations for a quality development in this local area,” he said.