Liverpool-based parent company TJ Morris went before a special Angus Council meeting yesterday with plans for the 3.3-hectare site at Elliot Industrial Estate.

The discount chain would anchor the development, which includes a drive-thru and drive-to restaurant as well as other units.

It is the second retail park proposal to come forward for the former Presentation Products factory site on Dundee Road.

The previous scheme was approved in 2019 but has never been progressed.

The development is against the local development plan but planners insisted councillors should give the go-ahead, noting the existing permission and the slightly reduced size of the new application.

Chief planning officer Jill Paterson said: “The council has previously determined that large-scale retail development at this location represents a significant departure from development plan policy.

“However, the council has also previously determined that large-scale retail development at this location is acceptable as it would improve the retail offer in Arbroath and would deliver significant economic benefit.

“The council granted planning permission for a development and that permission remains extant.”

The new plan will deliver:

• A 30,000sq ft Home Bargains store and 10,000sq ft garden centre
• Around 48,500sq ft of other retail space
• Drive-thru and drive-to restaurants
• 400 parking spaces, including 31 disabled spaces, 17 parent and child and 13 EV charging points
• Designated cycle parking at locations throughout the site
• New access on to the A92 Dundee Road

There will also be a yellow box junction created at the entrance to the adjacent Elliot caravan park.