Fields around Lundie Loch near Muirhead are to be flooded and the surface area of the loch significantly increased.
The change is expected to improve the ecology of the area and create improved habitats for birds and other wildlife and for plants.
Angus councillors heard the enlarged loch will still be smaller than its original size.
Landowner Nigel Cayzer wants to raise the level of the loch by about five metres and increase its surface area from around 2.7 hectares to 22 hectares.
The work will involve the realignment of an access track, re-siting of overhead power lines and a water pipe.
An officer of the council stated the proposals would be a fairly significant change to the landscape and to the ecology of the area but there would be “no adverse impacts.”
There have been no objections from the local community council, Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board.
He said the enlarged area of the loch would “encroach closer” to Ardgarth Cottage, but would have no adverse impact on the setting of the listed building.
He said that overall the proposal had the potential to enhance the landscape and enhance the biodiversity of the area and it|complied with relevant local planning policies.’Improve’ landscapeNiall Alcock, a chartered planner representing Mr Cayzer, spoke in support of the application at the meeting of the development standards committee in Forfar.
The application was recommended for approval by the director of infrastructure services.
He said an ecological survey stated the land surrounding the existing loch was of low to medium biodiversity value.
Mr Alcock said, “The enlarged loch will provide an extended and enhanced wetland habitat for a variety of animals and birds, thereby dramatically improving the ecological quality of the area.”
He added, “The proposed development will create a large area of standing water that is closer to Lundie Loch’s original extent and will significantly improve the landscape.
“The proposals will improve the amenity of the area… by attracting wildlife to the and improving access via the extended path around the loch.
“It is worth noting, however, that no prime agricultural land will be affected by the development and access to Ardgarth will be maintained.
“The Scottish Water pipe and electricity wires will be re-aligned, thereby ensuring local residents’ utilities are unaffected.”‘Very positive’Mr Alcock said, “Mr Cayzer is investing heavily in the Kinpurnie Estate as part of a coherent strategy to improve the area for residents, visitors and wildlife, and to ensure the estate’s continued viability.
“The reinstatement of Lundie Loch is one aspect of this wider strategy and will make a significant positive contribution to the estate and the Angus countryside.”
Mr Alcock said he believed the partial reinstatement work would take the loch to “about halfway up its natural extent.”
Leader of the administration Councillor Bob Myles supported the application, saying it seemed to be a very good project and utilised what was “a bit of wasteland and a boggy area.”
He believed it was a “very positive” development.
“It is a pretty useless boggy area of land,” he said.
Committee convener David Lumgair, moving approval of the application, said it would take away some agricultural land but would enhance the area.