Conservation area modern home appeal refused

PROPOSALS for a modern home in the midst of Forfar’s historic conservation area have been blocked.

The bid for the three-bedroom, two-storey house on land to the rear of Chapel Street came forward earlier this year but was refused by planning officials under delegated powers.

Applicant Christopher Morris appealed the knockback, but members of Angus Council’s development management review committee have now upheld the refusal, citing traffic concerns as a key reason.

The house design featured a staggered multipitch roof with the walls of the property to be finished in reclaimed stone, timber cladding, lime render and glass.

The applicant’s agent said the building would be recessed into the slope of the site to give the impression the house was only single-storey.

The application drew several letters of objection, raising issues including the privacy of existing residents, road safety and the design of the proposed house.

In their February refusal decision, planning officials said: “While the proposal complies with some aspects of the development plan, it would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and could not be accommodated without unacceptable impacts on road traffic and pedestrian safety.”

Forfar independent councillor Ian McLaren told the appeal hearing: “On the grounds of road safety, I really think we should be refusing this application.”

It was unanimously refused by councillors.