Kirkwood Homes secures two Dundee planning wins as government upholds appeal

Kirkwood Homes’ plan to increase the size of its Linlathen Village development in Broughty Ferry has been waved through on appeal after it was knocked back by councillors.The developer had planned to deliver an additional 100 homes at Linlathen Road to the north of the A92 – also known as Balgillo Heights.Dundee City Council rejected the proposal by a margin of 17-6 in January amid objections regarding congestion and extra pressure on local facilities.Kirkwood Homes appealed the decision and a Scottish Government-appointed reporter has now overturned the refusal.Reporter Allison Coard visited the site and acknowledged there was an issue with traffic congestion but said this had been addressed in the planning application.Ms Coard did add a condition saying the developers must contribute financially to expanding school provision in Broughty Ferry.The proposals formed the second phase of the project, the first of which was granted on appeal by the Scottish Government – despite initially being rejected by Dundee City Council.Meanwhile, another application by Kirkwood Homes to build 49 houses at Downfield Golf Course was unanimously approved.There were public objections to the Kirkwood Homes development, including a petition against it, but planning officials had recommended approval and councillors approved the application without debate.The land, west of Dalmahoy Drive, is not part of the current course and the golf club has agreed with the developer to use the profit from the sale of land to renovate its clubhouse.Scottish Forestry reprimanded Downfield Golf Club last year after it “unlawfully” cut down trees in an area which was set aside for the housing.