Planners have approved the demolition of Monifieth’s former Panmure Church to make way for a new development of six flats.
Angus development standards committee councillors unanimously followed the conditional approval recommendation for the Panmure Street site, despite some members saying they were frustrated not to be able to find a way to block the bid.
Empty for years, the church is not listed. The 1,150 square metre site was previously the subject of a proposal for eight flats in a scheme which was subsequently withdrawn.
Applicant Haitham Tabra’s agent Karen Clark said reuse of the building was not considered feasible and told the committee the proposal had emerged from detailed discussions with planners and would make a positive contribution to the local streetscape.
Monifieth Community Council and neighbouring residents objected to the plan, with parking pressures highlighted as a key concern.
The flats will be built on the frontage of Panmure Street, with parking for eight cars to the rear.
Objectors said Panmure Street, North Ramsay Street and Dick Street are already extensively used for on street parking as many of the properties at these locations lack off-street parking facilities.
The conditional approval recommendation said: “The development would provide a good residential environment whilst maintaining the amenity of occupants of neighbouring property.
“The concerns identified in the objections relating to road safety and parking impacts have been considered but there is no reason to consider that the development would result in unacceptable road safety or parking impacts, particularly given the lawful use of the building.”
Monifieth Conservative councillor Craig Fotheringham said: “If I could refuse it on the grounds that the access should be at the front I would put a policy number forward to refuse it, but I see no way to do that.”
Arbroath West and Letham Liberal Democrat Richard Moore said: “I think this is going to be a pastiche.
“It is trying to blend in but I think trees are being felled for convenience rather than necessity and I think there will also be parking issues.
Committee convener and Arbroath West and Letham Conservative councillor, David Lumgair said: “There and ifs and buts here, but something has to be done with this church and the proposal we have before us is as good an option as there is.”
Roads chiefs assured the committee they will monitor the parking situation in the area when the development is completed.
Arbroath East and Lunan SNP councillor Alex King said: “This is possibly an area that needs some traffic management in terms of double yellow lines.
“I don’t see any reason why we should refuse it, but I think we should send a message to the roads department to have a long hard look at how this street is being used for parking by people who are not residents there.”
