George Martin Builders had its planning application refused in December under delegated powers. One key objection came from the council’s environmental health department, which raised concerns that future residents could be disturbed by noise from theatre performances.

The proposed four-storey building at 60-62 High Street would replace former office space that was demolished in 2021 after being declared unsafe by the council. At the time, the Webster Theatre remained closed due to the pandemic.

Planners acknowledge that redeveloping the site is “highly desirable,” but the conservation area application was turned down for multiple reasons.

The project aims to deliver affordable housing, comprising eight two-bedroom and seven one-bedroom flats. The building’s frontage would match the height of the theatre and feature a natural stone finish in keeping with the High Street’s architectural style.

However, environmental health officers objected under the “agent of change” principle, which places responsibility for mitigating noise and other disturbances on developers rather than existing venues.

Officials cited several issues in their refusal, stating: “The number of dwellings proposed results in a building too big for the site. While the applicant has reduced the scale and made design improvements to enhance the building’s appearance from High Street, the changes do not go far enough. Additionally, the noise assessment provided is inadequate and unacceptable.”

The council concluded that the application did not comply with the development plan.

Angus Council’s development management review committee will review the appeal on Tuesday, The Courier reports.