Decision on Traveller family dispute delayed for site visit

A planning decision that could split up a Kirriemuir family has been deferred so councillors can visit their home.

Angus Council is reviewing a decision to turn down a retrospective application to turn land near Kirriemuir into a Travellers’ site.

Site owner John Townsley was previously granted planning permission for the existing pitch on the southwestern edge of Kirriemuir.

Another pitch was later formed to the rear of the approved one, following the marriage of Mr Townsley’s daughter, prompting the dispute.

Retrospective planning applications submitted by Mr Townsley have been turned down since July 2016 because it was contrary to the Angus Local Development Plan.

A special meeting of the development management review committee was due to consider the appeal last week.

But councillors Craig Fotheringham, Richard Moore and David Lumgair called for time for an unaccompanied site visit before they make a decision.

Committee chairman Mr Moore, Liberal Democrat, said a new visit would enable them to make a clearer decision.

“I went to the site when we first dealt with it,” he said.

“I have not been back so I would benefit from a site visit.”

Planning agent Alan Seath submitted an appeal after their most recent application was refused.

He said: “The council propose to remove the daughter from the site, relying on another publicly owned site at Balmuir, Tealing, where there will be no family support, where safety is a concern and access to local facilities is difficult.”