Controversial crematorium plan on outskirts of Dundee could return to Scotland's highest civil court

A proposal for a crematorium on farmland on the outskirts of Dundee could go to Scotland’s highest civil court for a second time.

Nearly 800 objections were made to the initial planning application for the £4.7m Duntrune site in Angus.

Opponents say it would increase traffic and clog up country roads.

“This is a rat run round the back of the city,” said local resident, Ian Robertson.

“We have a lot of accidents. We had six in 33 days a couple of autumns ago.

Ian Robertson, a local resident who opposes the plans STV News

“We just don’t think this is the right place, the roads just aren’t up to it.”

Plans for Duntrune crematorium were first put forward in 2020.

Earlier this year, Scotland’s highest civil court ruled a decision to give it the go ahead was unlawful.

Now, after Angus Council approved the proposal for a second time, the authority is facing a fresh legal challenge in the Court of Session.

“The issues that we raised in the first application in terms of breaches of planning regulations, hadn’t been addressed,” said solicitor, Stephen Forsyth, from Gilson Gray.

“The irrelevant factors we said they relied on, had been relied on again.

“The decisions that they’ve [Angus Council] taken and the factors they’ve relied upon, we say they are effectively unlawful and the decision should be quashed.”

The man behind the crematorium plan is a local farmer.

Guthrie Batchelor said his plans would not have a significant impact on nearby roads STV News

Guthrie Batchelor says the multi-million pound project would help reduce waiting times for cremations in the area.

He said he understands local concerns but believes any impact on nearby roads would be minimal.

“Angus roads have never objected to our proposal,” he said.

“They’ve set out a few passing places and the widening of the site frontage that we have to carry out.

“But they’re satisfied there are no issues with the existing road network.”

A spokesperson for Angus Council, said: “We have received court papers relating to an appeal of the Development Management Review Committee decision with regards to the development of a crematorium at Duntrune.

“Given that the matter is now with the Court of Session it is not appropriate to comment further.”