Plan for affordable flats

28 properties could be built on former infant school site

PL A NS to bu i ld 28 affordable flats have been s u bm it ted to t he c it y council.

Hillcrest Homes wants to build the apartments on the former site of St Mary’s RC Infant School in Lochee, alongside Coupar Angus Road, to the immediate south of Lochee High Street.

It had previously submitted larger plans for the site but has revised them to pull the development back from the roadside, create additional parking and remove a storey from what was initially a four-floor development.

In addition, Hillcrest has worked with architects to create what it says is “greater integration” with the surrounding area by introducing more walkways and green space.

The flats will meet what Hillcrest says is a heavy demand for housing in Lochee, with hundreds of people looking for three and fourbedroom homes.

It is also proposed to include disability-friendly properties.

Danny Bennett, from the housing association, said: “We cater for many diverse needs in the social and mid-market sectors, offering mainstream housing for families, couples and singles as well as supported accommodation, sheltered and amenity housing, residential care and other adapted properties including those specifically designed for wheelchair users.”

In a statement, the housing association’s planning agents Oliver & Robb said: “We believe the proposals represent a considered and sensitive response to the constraints of the site.”

St Mary’s nursery was demolished in 2016 after infant classes were integrated into the primary school on the other side of the dual carriageway.

City planners have until February 13 to make a decision on the plans – but Oliver & Robb has suggested the revised plans may already be acceptable to council bosses.

They added: “After further dialogue regarding the site layout, agreement was given by the planning department that the revised design was acceptable and that a new planning application should be submitted.”