A property developer has been told to stop work on a major housing project in Carnoustie after concerns were raised that planning permission terms were not being followed.
Angus Council has concluded Ogilvie Homes has deviated from its planning permission for the site of the former Taymouth Engineering Works.
The developer has been told to stop work on the Anderson Street site until the matter is resolved.
The local authority granted permission in 2015 for 42 homes and 40 flats at the two hectare site and construction is under way.
Carnoustie councillor David Cheape was contacted by residents in the nearby Maltings building – also built by Ogilvie Homes – who claimed the approved plans were not being followed.
Mr Cheape said: “The developer appears to be following the approved footprint of the site. It is the internal layout that is different from the plans that were granted planning permission.
“From one of properties at the Maltings I could clearly see into the new development and it doesn’t match the approved plans.
“It appears that they have changed where the bedrooms and living and kitchen areas will be which has meant they have also changed the placement and size of windows.
“The windows now look directly into the properties at the Maltings which the residents there see as impacting their privacy.
“If this design had been what was submitted to the council then the neighbours may have made more of an issue of it at the time.
“I raised the matter with council officers who have taken action.”
Mr Cheape added that the council may pursue enforcement action if the developer doesn’t obtain permission for the new design.
“In my view the approved planning permission is what should be followed,” he added.
“The developer either needs to follow this or needs to reapply for permission for the new design.
“If the developer doesn’t down tools then the council could bring an enforcement action against the site.”
Taymouth Engineering Works and Castings, located next to the east coast mainline, housed generations of businesses from 1902 before becoming disused.
Ogilvie Homes did not respond to a request to comment.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “Having concluded that certain work being carried out is materially different to that which was granted planning permission, we have advised the developer to stop work until the matter can be resolved.
“Discussions continue between ourselves and the developer to find an appropriate resolution.”
