Ambitious proposals for a modern home in the midst of Forfar’s historic conservation area have been blocked.
The bid for the three-bedroom, two-storey house on land to the rear of Chapel Street came forward earlier this year, but was refused by planning officials under delegated powers.
Applicant Christopher Morris appealed the knockback, but members of Angus Council’s development management review committee have now upheld the refusal, citing traffic concerns as a key reason.
The house design featured a staggered multi-pitch roof with the walls of the property to be finished in reclaimed stone, timber cladding, lime render and glass.
The applicant’s agent said the building would be recessed into the slope of the site to give the impression the house was only single storey, and highlighted the use of traditional materials in contrast to the scale and construction of the Asda supermarket opposite.
They had also argued in favour of the application on the basis that three modern properties had been “squeezed” into an infill site to the north east of the garden ground.
The application drew several letter of objection, raising issues including the privacy of existing residents, road safety and the design of the proposed house.
In their February refusal decision, planning officials said: “Whilst the proposal complies with some aspects of the development plan, it would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and could not be accommodated without unacceptable impacts on road traffic and pedestrian safety.”
Forfar independent councillor Ian McLaren told this week’s appeal hearing: “My main concern is the proposed access into the site.
“The road is two-way traffic there because you can come down Sparrowcroft.
“There is no footway on one side and you would have to significantly reduce the height of the wall which would completely change the character of the area.
“On the grounds of road safety I really think we should be refusing this application.”
Development management review committee chairman, Brechin and Edzell Conservative councillor Gavin Nicol said: “I think this project would be a very difficult build as well and I agree with the reasons for refusal.”
Councillors unanimously refused the application.
