Tourism site ground works at Hunters Cabins Justinhaugh, Forfar

“This report deals with planning application no. 25/00524/FULL submitted on behalf of [name withheld] for retrospective planning permission for ground works including alterations to 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 at Hunters Cabins, Justinhaugh, Forfar. This application is recommended for conditional approval.”

“The applicant seeks retrospective planning permission for ground works including alterations to 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 at Hunters Cabins, Justinhaugh, Forfar. A plan showing the location of the site is provided at Appendix 1.”

“The application site extends to around 7200sqm, however the area subject to construction activities associated with the ground works undertaken is limited to around 4000sqm. The site comprises an established tourist site that accommodates five holiday accommodation units with associated access from the C32 public road and a 234m length of former railway embankment.”

“The works to the former railway embankment encompasses an area of 1230sqm and involved the reprofiling of its north side. The reprofiling works along the north face resulted in the removal of material to reduce the width of the embankment by between 3m – 6m. No changes were undertaken to the height of the embankment.”

“The application site is not designated for any natural heritage reasons, and the submitted information confirms that there are no further ground works to be undertaken at the site. There is no evidence to suggest that the works have resulted in any significant direct or indirect impact on the River South Esk which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).”

“In terms of flood risk and drainage, the site is located outwith any areas identified as being susceptible to fluvial flooding as per SEPA flood risk maps. There is an identified area of surface water flood risk at the site entrance however the use of permeable material at the access would be an acceptable means of treating surface water drainage at this location and there is no reason to consider that the works undertaken to the access and internal access road would…”

“Kirriemuir Landward East Community Council – has objected to the application. Specific concerns include works have already been carried out at the site; unacceptable access arrangements; unacceptable foul and surface water drainage arrangements and the development would offer little positive economic impact.”

“The full representation from the community council is provided at Appendix 2 and is available to view on the council’s Public Access system.”

“No letters of representation have been received.”

“Following a number of 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.”