Showroom approved

Specialist and performance car dealership Augustus Autos submitted plans to Angus Council in August last year detailing how it would overhaul its existing site in Barry, near Carnoustie.

The firm — run by self-confessed “petrolhead” Steven Brown — wanted to create a new two-storey showroom, a covered car wash and storage shelters.

Planning chiefs have now approved the proposal but have attached a variety of conditions, including preventing the alteration of land to construct the new buildings.

But Mr Brown said that he may consider revising the plans in order to get them right “100%, first time”.

He said: “This isn’t the way we would’ve liked to do things — we’re just going to take our time and plans may be lodged again.

“We’re not quite going back to the business selling high-powered, fossil fuel-dependent cars at the expense of agricultural land is not compatible in any way with these national aims.

“The proposed development is not compatible with the area and will have a negative impact on its character.”

Resident John Needham shared similar concerns, writing: “This is agricultural land and I believe this sort of development is not in keeping with the area.”

Elspeth and Sandy Cochrane were also worried that ongoing problems with vehicles leaking fluids into the road would be exacerbated by the larger building.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency had initially objected to the plan because of a claimed lack of planning in an area at “medium” risk of flooding. However, following revisions by the applicants, the body changed its stance. In addition, Angus Council environment officers, having visited the site, said they had “no objections or other comments” to make.

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to expand a car showroom has been given the go-ahead — despite residents’ protests over the development.

An artist’s impression of how the showroom could look.

The firm’s current base at Station Road in Barry.