Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dispute over footpath
Council and water firm in battle at housing site
SCOTTISH Water and Dundee City Council are embroiled in a planning dispute — over a footpath.
The water firm wants to build more than 50 homes at the site of Clatto Water Treatment Works at the country park.
Earlier this year, the project was given planning permission by Dundee City Council — a renewal of permission that had previously been granted for the development.
But the council told Scottish Water as part of its permission that it had to create a footpath linked to the project before building commences.
Now, the plan — which attracted opposition from some local residents — is on hold while it awaits the outcome of an appeal.
The path would run on the west side of Dalmahoy Drive and would have to be “created to an adoptable standard”, meaning the council could take on maintenance of the path.
But Scottish Water has now gone to the Scottish Government to appeal that part of the permission, arguing that it isn’t necessary or reasonable. A reporter working on behalf of the Scottish Government has now been allocated to deal with the case.
A spokesman for the council said it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on the issue while it’s dealt with on appeal.
However, documents lodged with the Scottish Government show the local authority is contesting the appeal.
A Scottish Water spokesman said: “Renewal of planning permission in principle for a residential development on vacant land at Clatto Water Treatment Works has been granted by Dundee City Council subject to a new condition.
“This condition, which relates to the creation of a footpath on land that is not part of the site, is subject to an appeal to the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals. Scottish Water will await the outcome of the appeal before making any further comment.”
When the housing plans were announced back in January, local residents hit out at the proposals — amid fears that the area couldn’t cope.