The Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division said it has no remit relating to Muirhead Garage on Newtyle Road and the matter should be challenged through the local authority’s review body.

The appeal follows a decision made by Angus officials for the demolition of the garage building and its replacement with six flats in a two-storey block.

The proposal was the latest attempt by the owner of the garage to create housing on the site due to his approaching retirement, with plans for twelve and nine flat developments previously withdrawn.

The applicant’s agent said in a supporting statement that the latest application for housing emerged in an effort to answer concerns raised in relation to the previous proposals.

In the plans, current site access would be retained, with a new driveway created along the site’s western boundary to serve ten off-street parking spaces at the rear of the new building, and a further two spaces created at the front. The car parking plans included two charging points for electric vehicles.

The supporting statement reads: “Over the last 24 months our client has sought to obtain planning permission for the redevelopment of Muirhead Garage due in part to his imminent retirement and to facilitate the removal of a non-compatible Class 5 general industrial use in close proximity to housing,” said the applicant’s agent.

“Over the last 12 months, we have sought to address the concerns of both the council and neighbouring residents that objected to our previous development proposals.

“This process has led to the creation of a responsive and high-quality design solution that not only merits this prominent location but will greatly enhance the appearance of the Newtyle Road street scene.”

However, Angus planners have argued that the proposed development would still create an out of character addition to the area and was against local policy, The Courier reports.

The planning bid is now likely to be considered by the council’s own review body through the development management review committee.