A housing developer has lashed out at Dundee City Council after proposals to build 150 homes in Broughty Ferry were rejected.
A tight vote saw councillors vote 12 to nine against Kirkwood Homes’ proposed Balgillo Heights development, prompting the firm to claim it will now be harder for it to invest in the city in future.
Council officers had recommended the scheme for approval despite it running contrary to the Local Development Plan.
All three Broughty Ferry councillors at the meeting – Conservatives Derek and Phillip Scott and Liberal Democrat Craig Duncan – voted against the proposals for the Linlathen Road site.
Derek Scott’s amendment to reject the application won the support of SNP councillors Mark Flynn and Stewart Hunter and independent Lord Provost Ian Borthwick as well as several Labour members.
Mr Scott said: “Lots of objections have come in. People living at Panmurefield and north of the Arbroath Road can’t get a GP in the Ferry.”
“There is also concern about the roads. These are three or five bedroom homes so will be sold to families.
“That means another 300 cars trying to get onto the A92 during peak times. It will just add to the congestion.”
Mr Scott added that the council should not approve any developments until a new Local Development Plan is agreed.
His amendment was seconded by Mr Duncan, who said the application “drives a cart and horse” through the current plan.
A similar application for the site from Kirkwood Homes was rejected in 2016.
The firm’s managing director Colin Crombie said: “We are extremely disappointed by the decision taken today, one that will adversely impact the delivery of not only the emerging new Local Development Plan, but significantly question the council’s recent commitment to deliver new, quality homes for the people of Dundee.
“Dundee remains an area that we wish to continue to invest in, however decisions such as that taken today make it increasingly challenging to continue to invest, not only in new homes in the city, but importantly a local work force to support our developments in and around Dundee.”
