Plans to build a petrol station, restaurant and shopping area just off the A90 have been described as ‘‘positive’’.
Chris Boni, deputy manager of the Dunnichen Stone restaurant at Orchardbank Business Park, on the outskirts of Forfar, said he welcomed the plans.
The A90 is the main route connecting Dundee and Aberdeen, meaning commuters in and out of the city are likely to benefit.
The site itself lies next to Angus Council’s headquarters, about a mile from Forfar town centre, and neighbouring venues include KFC, McDonald’s and the Dunnichen Stone.
Mr Boni said: “Anything that brings vehicles here and gets people to stop is to be welcomed. I think it could be good for us in terms of a few extra customers.
“The town could suffer as a result, I suppose, as people go into Forfar to get petrol at the moment.
“Long-term, I think what we really need is a proper truck stop but I’m sure this will be positive.”
Plans for the new development include a coffee shop area which will make up part of the drive-through and a back-of-house area for food preparation.
The largest part of the main building will be a retail area, with deli counter food service and toilets also in the plans.
Two ATMs have also been proposed by the applicants.
Agent Colliers International, of Edinburgh, has submitted the plans on behalf of EG Group, a forecourt business which operates sites worldwide.
The firm is based in Blackburn and works in partnership with national food and drink brands including Starbucks, Burger King, Greggs and Subway, running more than 360 sites across the UK.
The petrol station will include five standard pumps and two for heavy goods vehicles, as well as 66 associated parking spaces.
Two charging bays for electric vehicles will also be installed. Other features include bins and storage, air and water machines and bicycle stands.
Associated groundwork, drainage and tree felling is proposed, if the plans are successful.
The development will be accessed by the A94 and Orchard Loan, although there is no specific access to the site at the moment, so a new road will be constructed.
The plans are the latest to be submitted to Angus Council for developments in the business park.
An application for the erection of a hotel and car park was granted by the local authority in August, after plans were submitted by Marston’s Estates Ltd in June.
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