Contested Wormit development given go-ahead by council

PLANNING: £19m proposal set to create more than 600 jobs after approval granted

Developers behind £19 million plans that will change the face of the Wormit area say more than 630 jobs will be created through the development.

Councillors have given the green light to Persimmon Homes North Scotland’s planning application to create 158 homes off Kilmany Road, following the first phase of the Naughton Meadows project that saw more than 40 houses built.

Concerns were aired by locals in relation to the 13-acre greenfield site, with 82 people lodging formal objections suggesting the already over-subscribed Tayview Medical Practice would not cope, the development would be out of character with the village and it would destroy the landscape on the southern approach to Wormit.

With consent secured, Stephen Profili, managing director of Persimmon Homes, has moved to persuade members of the public that the project is good news for the region and will provide a boost for the economy.

“The ongoing demand for high-quality new homes in the area more than justifies our decision to move forward with a second phase in Wormit.

STEPHEN PROFILI, PERSIMMON HOMES MANAGING DIRECTOR

He said: “We are delighted with the decision made by the planning committee to approve our plans.

“Our continued investment signals our commitment and confidence in the local housing market.

“The ongoing demand for highquality new homes in the area more than justifies our decision to move forward with a second phase in Wormit.

“This will obviously be good news to house-buyers in the region, particularly those looking for spectacular views of the Firth of Tay, but the spin-off benefits in terms of the number of jobs being created and the income this will generate for the local economy are also hugely significant.”

In addition to the investment in the new houses, Persimmon Homes has also agreed a Section 75 contribution of £740,000 to boost education facilities, including a two-classroom extension at Wormit Primary School and an extension to Madras College.

“This second phase also incorporates a higher-than-average 32% of affordable homes – namely 50 – and a number of aesthetically pleasing features, including a central green space and walking paths that connect the development with the existing village pathway,” added Mr Profili.

He also confirmed that work on site is expected to start in April with homes available for sale in July.

Members of the planning committee approved the development by seven votes to four earlier this month.

The project will see 158 new homes built off Kilmany Road, with 32% affordable housing.