I've often been critical in the past about the way appeals against planning decisions made by Dundee City Council are handled.
The vast majority of appeals are delegated to a member of the Scottish Government's Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA), known as a Reporter.
Reporters have, on occasion, overturned planning decisions made by the council and, in doing so, have failed to take into account concerns from the local community. Examples include various applications for phone masts near schools (eg Blackness Primary School) and in residential areas.
However, I cannot help but congratulate the Reporter who overturned a decision by the City Council earlier this year in which the council refused planning approval for more student flats at Tay Mills in Brown Street. Planning officers recommended refusal and the committee went along with that, although I moved approval (losing 17-10).
This is an area close to both university campuses and is perfect for student housing. More student housing here means fewer HMOs in residential areas of the West End. I found the officers' recommendation difficult to follow and the committee decision was unfortunate.
So - for once - full marks to the Scottish Government's Reporter in reaching a sensible decision and allowing this development to go ahead.