An appeal has been lodged with the Scottish Government against the refusal of 260 homes on the edge of Carnoustie.
Angus Council has been accused of dealing with the housing application from Blackwood Developments Ltd in a “superficial manner without adequate consultation or negotiation.”
The vision for the Pitskelly masterplan was to create a “high-quality new neighbourhood along the northern boundary of Carnoustie”.
At a special full council meeting in December, councillors followed the recommendation of planning officials in unanimously rejecting the proposal for 16 hectares of land south east of Pitskelly Farm.
The indicative plan included an extension to Shanwell cemetery, but was heavily criticised for its use of prime farmland and breach of the local development plan.
Planning consultant Rick Fink Associates lodged a statement of appeal on behalf of Blackwood Developments Ltd which said it is contended “that the determination of the appeal application was flawed and unbalanced in this case”.
The refusal was the latest stage of a complex and prolonged fight surrounding competing housing and residential sites on the west of the town at Pitskelly and the east at Carlogie.
A previous proposal relating to another part of the Pitskelly area was submitted by DJ Laing in July 2014 for a development of housing alongside an industrial estate, which was approved by councillors.
That was met with resistance by rival firms Angus Estates and Muir Homes, whose own plans for Carlogie were denied by the council in 2014, and later by the Court of Session in October 2016.
Mr Fink said: “The site is privately owned and is located adjacent to the settlement boundaries of Carnoustie.
“It represents an ideal location for the settlement’s expansion, ensuring the compact settlement form is maintained.”
He added: “Angus Council has neglected emerging housing land requirements within the South Angus Housing Market Area (HMA) and has not given due consideration to the benefits which clearly outweigh the dis-benefits of this proposal.”
Mr Fink said approval would assist in “avoiding longer term constraints on effective land supply resulting in development having to locate in less sustainable locations in the future”.
He said: “It is unlikely that the local strategy devised by DJ Laing and the council for residential and employment development will be effective or viable in Carnoustie.
“Furthermore, ownership restrictions and agreements around Pitskelly may constrain future allocations as and when required.”
Angus Council was asked to comment.
