By Graham Brown

A FRESH twist has emerged in the saga surrounding the development of Angus Council’s former headquarters.

Four years since Forfar’s St James House was sold for £1.8 million on the open market after a U-turn over a planned £700,000 closed doors deal, bulldozers have yet to move on to the 2.5 hectare St James Road site.

Project partners Deanway Development/AWG Property won permission at appeal for a mixed commercial/residential scheme—a victory which also cost the authority substantial expenses—but behind the scenes discussions are continuing over the way ahead for the 50-flat/5000sq m retail project.

Yesterday, however, a leading figure in the development partnership said that although he was disappointed the promised project has not been delivered those behind the plans remain confident it will happen.

At the final full meeting of the council before the summer recess, elected members considered a report in private relating to St James House.

The authority has declined to disclose any detail of what was contained in the “developer request” document submitted by corporate services director Colin McMahon.

It is understood that the matter relates to the terms of a Section 75 agreement, a planning control mechanism regularly applied by local authorities.

Angus Council has also declined to answer a number of other questions posed by The Courier in relation to St James House and those are now the subject of a Freedom of Information request.

Deanway Development director Alex Galbraith said the latest step in the scheme was taken behind closed doors at the request of Angus officials.

“The council wanted to keep the discussion as a private matter and it would be inappropriate to comment on the details,” he said.

“From our point of view we are very disappointed that it (the scheme) is not up and running.

“From a local perspective the opportunity for jobs to be created has been held back for a long time.

“There has also been the loss of a very substantial rates income over that period.”

Delays have also thrust the developers into the midst of the credit crunch but the director believes the Forfar site will continue to be an attractive proposition for potential commercial clients.

“There is undoubtedly an impact—all commercial property is affected,” continued Mr Galbraith.

“We are confident that the development will take place on the site—it is too good a location for it not to.”