EXCLUSIVE: Plans due ‘within weeks’ for £2.3m housing project on former Carnoustie school site

The long-awaited redevelopment of Carnoustie’s former Kinloch Primary School site is set to take a major step forward.

Angus Council is in the final stages of drawing up plans for a £2.3 million housing development on the vacant land.

The authority confirmed it expects to lodge the proposal within weeks.

The news has sparked fresh hopes the site, on the corner of Dundee Street and Links Avenue, will finally be put to use after lying empty for 15 years.

In 2018, Sainsbury’s and Greggs ditched plans to create around 50 new jobs in a multi-million-pound project.

However, the new council housing could be at least three years away.

Kinloch school site cleared in 2010

Kinloch Primary closed in 2006 as part of a reorganisation of local schools. The building was demolished in 2010.

Local plans for a community hub and cinema never materialised.

Then, in 2017, bakery giant Greggs led a £2m hybrid proposal with supermarket Sainsbury’s in a ‘town square’ style development.

There were hopes it could bring 50 new jobs to the town. Greggs hoped their outlet might be complete in time for the 2018 Open at Carnoustie.

But following opposition, the scheme was shelved even before the first ball was struck in golf’s most famous major championship.

In 2021, Angus Council took the site off the open market.

The ground was transferred to the authority’s housing revenue account for future development.

It has been used since then for community events and Angus Farmers’ Market.

How many houses are planned for Kinloch?

A council spokesperson said: “The original proposal was based on a total of 12 units, with eight designed to be compliant for particular needs.

“As the design has progressed, amendments have been made, reducing the total number of units to 11, with seven designed to be suitable for wheelchair users, older ambulant individuals, or those with disabilities.

“Plans are currently being finalised, with a formal planning submission expected in the coming weeks.”

The council added: “The estimated total cost is £2.336 million, with capital costs accounting for around £1.076 million.

“This development has a grant allocation of £1,008,429 for financial year 2027/28 within our approved Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2025/26 – 2029/30.”