Angus Council’s neighbourhood services convener has hit out at “misinformation” surrounding a housing project.
Donald Morrison claims there has been a campaign against the mixed use of Camus House in Carnoustie, as a debate over the future of the site rages on.
The former care home recently received approval for renovation to become 12 council houses, but will also have five adapted properties earmarked for ex-services personnel.
Critics of the scheme, including Carnoustie councillor Brian Boyd and chairman of Carnoustie Development Group, Peter Burke, have voiced disappointment that the units have not been set aside for locals with additional needs.
Mr Morrison said: “Let me be clear, this site can be used for those with learning disabilities if their needs assessment determines they both need and can manage living independently.
“Furthermore local members and the neighbourhood services committee have sought and been given an undertaking that this will be taken forward.”
The five adapted properties will be developed by Angus Council in partnership with Houses for Heroes.
Mr Morrison said the council is committed to examining the long-term needs of those with learning disabilities, and has started an accommodation strategy to look at the issue.
He said: “Disappointingly there are those who would have you believe that Carnoustie has been left out of any plans, but I can assure the people of Carnoustie with over 130 houses being built or planned in the last few years,
Carnoustie has been at the forefront of our housing investment and it’s time for some maturity to be displayed and the public not to be misled.”
Mr Boyd said it is his job as a councillor to ensure best use is made of the asset and that money is not wasted.
He added: “Unfortunately, I believe Angus Council has failed in both these obligations we nodded through an ill-defined scheme for social housing and “homes for heroes”, on the back of a flimsy and inadequate four-page report.
North East Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone, who recently hosted a Holyrood reception to highlight the needs of veterans, has also waded into the argument.
He said: “Instead of welcoming this, Councillor Boyd appears to have adopted a ‘not in my back yard’ attitude towards homes for those who have served their country.
“Veterans can find it challenging to fit back into civilian life after serving in the forces, and it won’t help those who will be housed in these homes to know that a local councillor, supposedly speaking on behalf of the community, didn’t want them there in the first place.”
Mr Burke rejected Mr Morrison’s allegations that misinformation was being spread.
He said a group of adults with learning difficulties had been identified as having “unmet needs” over the last 10 years, with many of their carers over pensionable age and some into their eighties.
“The Camus House site was suggested as a possibility for a small number of homes for a few of these adults, and it was agreed that this would be looked into,” Mr Burke said.
“At the neighbourhood services committee meeting the report did not mention this possibility until an amendment was agreed which called for yet another assessment of these people, and the possibility that they may have some housing allocated to them ‘where practical and where resources allow’.
“Carers quite rightly believe it is unlikely that either a portion of the Camus House site, or homes upon it, will be allowed to lie empty for three years until such a review is completed.”