Five holiday units at Hunters Cabins Justinhaugh, Forfar

“The application site extends to around 3500sqm, however the area subject to construction activities associated with the five additional holiday accommodation units is limited to around 350sqm. It comprises land associated with an established site that accommodates 5 holiday accommodation units with associated access from the C32 public road and internal access road.”

“The proposed holiday accommodation units are to be sited on five pitches that have been constructed using loose stone chippings. The units are to be located adjacent to the established five units at the site. The accommodation units consist of a double unit with a footprint of 81.7sqm and ridge height of 3.9m; 3 single units with a footprint of 51sqm and ridge height of 3.7m and a smaller single unit with a footprint of 33sqm and a ridge height of 3.6m.”

“Planning enforcement case 23/00038/UNDV was created on 9 September 2023 as a result of observations regarding works being undertaken at the site which included the formation hardstanding areas for additional accommodation units, works to an existing railway embankment, formation of access tracks, alterations to an existing access track and vehicular access and installation of a foul drainage system.”

“The planning application (Appn Ref: 25/00524/FULL) for the land surrounding this current application site is presented to this committee for determination. It provides for the ground works including alterations to a railway embankment, alterations to existing access track and vehicular access, formation of hardstanding areas and access tracks, installation of foul drainage system and associated works.”

“Whilst the works to form the pitches have been undertaken, the respective areas were greenfield in character and available information indicates that the land is categorised as prime quality agricultural land (class 3.1). The site is associated with an established tourism facility and is not in in productive agricultural use.”

“In conclusion, the proposal provides for an extension to an existing tourism facility in a rural location which is of a scale and nature appropriate to its location. Available evidence and consultation responses suggest that the proposal would provide some economic benefit to the area without giving rise to unacceptable impacts on the environment, amenity, or safety of the area.”

“Angus Council – Environmental Health – has offered no objection. Environmental Health is not aware that the current operation has caused any complaints to nearby residential properties and advise that based on the location the holiday accommodation units will be from the nearest sensitive receptors, it is not envisaged that the additional units will impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.”

“Scottish Water – has offered no objection. There is currently sufficient capacity in the Whitehillocks Water Treatment works to service the development but there is no public waste water infrastructure within the vicinity of the site.”

“Impacts on privacy. • Road traffic safety. • Flood risk impacts from surface water runoff.”

“25/00523/FULL submitted on behalf of [name withheld] for the proposed siting of five additional holiday accommodation units and associated works at Hunters Cabins, Justinhaugh, Forfar. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

“Following comments from members, and having had regard to all submissions, the Committee agreed that the application be approved for the reason and subject to the conditions, as detailed in Section 10 of the Report.”

“The proposal is in accordance with the development plan as it will provide new tourism accommodation in a manner that is compatible with relevant locational criteria and that does not give rise to unacceptable impacts on amenity, natural, built, or cultural heritage interests or infrastructure, and that does not result in unacceptable flood risk or road safety implications, subject to conditions.”

“That the number of holiday accommodation units permitted through the development hereby approved shall not exceed 5 in total. No structures or chattels shall be positioned within the site for the purposes of providing accommodation other than that detailed in the application without the advance written approval of the planning authority.”