Revised plans approved for Arbroath retail park

The permission, granted by Angus councillors this week, means that work could be under way within weeks on the former Presentation Products factory site at Elliot.

The change was described as a “win win” for the town.

But it raised concerns about rat-run traffic through the village of Arbirlot during construction.

A special council meeting on Tuesday considered changes to the Liverpool-based retailer’s proposals for the retail park, which were originally approved in 2022.

Parent company T J Morris want to replace three of the five retail units it received permission for with a large builders’ merchant.

The development will be anchored by a 40,000 sq. ft. Home Bargains store and garden centre.

Planning officer Alan Hunter said the 2022 approval was a “significant departure” from the Angus local plan.

It is allocated as employment land.

But he added: “Conversely, the builders’ merchant use is more compatible with policy.”

However, the route traffic might take to avoid construction work was flagged as a concern.

The site sits beside the A92 Dundee Road leading out of Arbroath to the west.

Left and right-hand turn lanes will be created to access the retail park.

Forfar councillor Ross Greig said recent unrelated roadworks caused “massive tailbacks” in the area, and many drivers turn off to Arbirlot to avoid the queues.

And if work starts soon it could coincide with the beginning of Arbroath’s £14m Place for Everyone active travel project.

Mr Greig said “I support this, it’s a massive investment. It’s going to bring money and it’s going to bring jobs, but with temporary lights during construction that’s going to be a massive problem.”

Councillors unanimously approved the changes.

Councillor Ronnie Proctor said: “I think this is a win win. It’s a good project that will benefit not only Arbroath but the rest of Angus.”