An Angus business park’s future could be in jeopardy unless a blackspot junction is upgraded.
The plans were submitted by Aberdeen firm John Lawrie, which owns and invests in businesses all over the world.
The Montrose development would be at the former RAF airfield, near the Broomfield Industrial Estate, and would include more than 100,000 square metres of offices and accommodation to support the manufacturing of renewable energy projects across the county.
However, Transport Scotland has highlighted “significant safety concerns” arising from the predicted increase in traffic the development will have at the A90/A937 junction at Laurencekirk.
Responding to the consultation, the director of trunk roads network management has requested that a condition must be attached if planning permission is given by Angus Council.
The condition prevents “occupation of the development” until a grade-separated junction has been formed at the intersection of the A90 with the A937 at Laurencekirk.
The council said it has “some concern” regarding the “proposed negative condition” and will be going back to Transport Scotland with some thoughts on whether it is “appropriately worded”.
Jill Fotheringham has been leading the long-running campaign for a grade-separated junction at the notorious Laurencekirk blackspot since 2004.
She said: “I know that a development of this size and nature will have a catastrophic effect on that junction.
“Whilst I know the junction is situated in Aberdeenshire, any developments in Montrose are having a huge impact on an already saturated junction and the bulk of traffic trying to cross there.
“I welcome any developments which will be to the good of Montrose but I will fight tooth and nail to stop it until a flyover has been put in place at Laurencekirk.”
The planning application follows the approval of plans from drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline, who recently announced a £28 million addition to its production facilities in the town.
Jill said the growth in Montrose is pushing the junction beyond its limits and it simply cannot cope with any more traffic.
Angus Council planning officer Murray Agnew said: “Angus Council has some concern regarding the proposed negative condition and will be going back to Transport Scotland with some thoughts on whether it is appropriately worded in the circumstances of the case and whether there is an alternative approach available that may allow at least an initial phase of development to be occupied in light of the allocation in the extent local plan should planning permission be granted.”