Developer lodges appeal against refusal of factory conversion

A DEVELOPER whose plans to convert a historic Dundee factory were left in limbo after the council denied permission to demolish its facade has asked the Scottish Government to overturn the decision.

Crieff-based F&H Developments wants to create five houses and four flats on the former Tay Rope Works site on Magdalen Road in the West End.

Councillors backed plans for the redevelopment in August but a second vote on whether to grant permission to demolish the building’s facade was rejected, stymieing the entire project.

F&H Developments says the facade cannot be taken down and rebuilt as the stonework is in such poor condition it would crumble if the attempt was made.

In the firm’s appeal to the Scottish Government, Mark Myles of agents Bidwells claims the council has acted “unreasonably” by refusing consent to demolish the f acade, which has listed building status.

He said: “The structural report and the stone condition report provide robust and substantive evidence that demonstrate the applicant has carefully considered that retention of the facade but that it i s no longer feasible.”

Dundee City Council has maintained councillors were within their rights to refuse permission.

The local authority’s official response to the Scottish Government says: “The appellant states that if the councillors were not satisfied with the terms of the reports they could have deferred consideration of the application and sought further information.

“Indeed they could. They c o u l d a l s o , h o w e v e r, legitimately do what they did and refuse the application.”