Kirkwood Homes, in conjunction with Angus Estates Ltd, had drawn up plans to expand the northern edge of the town.

The plans concerned the greenfield site at Panbride Road.

The number of properties was reduced to 60 after a public consultation and discussions with Angus Council.

The proposals divided the community, with the council receiving 115 letters – 46 of which raised objections and 67 supported the application.

At a meeting of Angus Council, Kirkwood Homes land director Allan Rae said there had been “unprecedented and overwhelming support” from local residents.

The application was recommended for refusal by council officers. They said the proposed development was said to be out with a “principal settlement” as set out in the local development plan.

It was decided there was sufficient land available within principal settlements for such a development, The Courier reports. 

The Kirkwood proposals would have resulted in the release of greenfield land for residential development. Angus Council added that there were no “social, economic, environmental or operational considerations which confirm there is a need for the proposed development that cannot be met within a development boundary”.

The 3.6-hectare development would also have seen the loss of prime agricultural land and it did not “deliver a high design standard that contributes positively to the character and sense of place of the area”.