By Chris Hardy

CONCERN THAT an element of political manoeuvring has entered the planning process on Angus Council has been voiced by one of the men behind the proposed House of Bruar-style development in Edzell.

Alan Spence and his business partner Brian Waller were refused planning permission for their proposed complex on the derelict former mart site at Lethnot Road and are now considering whether to appeal the decision of the development standards committee or ditch their plans.

“The only place we are going to do this is Edzell,” said Mr Spence, who claimed the political writing was on the wall when they were informed by a senior member of the planning staff that the administration did not have a majority on the development standards committee.

“That is very much open to interpretation and may give an insight to the behind-the-scenes fighting going on in Angus Council,” said Mr Spence.

In response to the allegation, the council said yesterday, “The applicant was advised throughout the planning process, including during pre-application discussion, of the significant policy issues with the proposal.

“The report to the development standards committee on March 11 stated that the proposal was contrary to Angus Council planning policy and recommended refusal.

“The members of the committee unanimously refused the planning application.

“The statement referred to was made in an Email on February 26 in answer to the direct question from the applicant’s own agent as to whether the administration had a majority on the committee, to which the council’s planning officer provided the answer ‘the administration does not have a majority on the development standards committee.’

“The statement was one of five answers provided to five specific questions raised by the applicant’s agent on that date. The remainder of the Email reiterated the council’s position that the application as it stood would be recommended for refusal.”

Mr Spence said yesterday that his agent was out of the country at the moment but he did not believe the question had been asked.

“We discussed this element and he made no reference to this alleged conversation,” he said.

“Even if it had been made, the response from a senior planning officer was still inappropriate.”

He has also said their application was ambushed with a number of easily resolved minor issues raised just days before their submission, with no opportunity to counter despite over a year of dialogue.

“I have just witnessed the total negativity and crippling lack of vision that has beset the entire planning system in Scotland,” he said.

Mr Spence said majority local support had been demonstrated by the chairman of Inveresk Community Council who spoke in favour of the plan to build a visitor centre to act as hub for the area— increasing awareness of the historic and natural diversity of the adjacent Angus glens.

“We were inspired by and seeking to emulate the House Of Bruar with its five-star Scottish Tourist Board accreditation,” he added.

“Our proposal is much smaller in size—it is approximately the size of the local golf club house and primary school that anchor both ends of the village.

“In addition to showcasing Scottish products, 10% of our retail space was to provide an all-weather farmers’ market to assist and foster small food producers.

“I personally have grown such a business into a market leader in the US and would have enjoyed an opportunity to mentor them.

“It would represent an initial investment of £1.5 million and would create 35 to 40 jobs, ideal for women with children.

“The planners talk about a retail park as if it is a dirty word and I came out of that meeting feeling as if I had been caught shoplifting. I have no issue with the objectors but the whole spin was very negative.

“There was more debate and passion arguing over what flag to fly over the county buildings than was afforded our initiative.

“Edzell is a wonderful place to live but it can’t become a retirement home.”