A proposal to build a housing development on the site of a former prison has been supported by Councillors in Angus.

The plans would 48 homes constructed on the former HMP Noranside estate, and involve demolishing the cell blocks and farm buildings on the land, while the stable block and the B-listed Noranside House would be redeveloped. Noranside House was initially built in 1766 and is described as a "classical mansion house". It is located between Forfar and Brechin.

-- Advertisement --

The application has received conditional approval from Angus Council's Development Standards Committee. Vivien Smith, Head of Planning for the local authority, added that the development would provide "significant conservation benefits through the restoration of listed buildings and redevelopment of a large vacant and derelict brownfield site."

The approval is subject to conditions, however, and it is understood that detailed archaeological and photographic surveys should be conducted before any demolition or redevelopment work begins. It was also said that a contaminated land investigation report should be undertaken.

(JP/IT)