| The authority were asked by the Tele to check whether occupant Sandy Grassie held the appropriate licences and permissions to operate a welding and panel-beating business from his home in Tay Street.
Officials pored over the authority’s records — which date back to 1996 — but found no note of a planning application or building warrant relating to the property.
The fact no record is held by Angus Council does not mean the property is not appropriately licensed. It may simply mean the relevant permissions were given out by predecessor authorities such as Dundee District Council or Monifieth Burgh Council.
The Tele understands that, prior to the blast, Mr Grassie had been operating at the site without incident for a “long, long time”, estimated to be in the region of 20-plus years.
Mr Grassie refused to comment on the fire when approached by the Press. Instead, he has set about the task of righting the extensive damage to his property caused by the intense flames.
In the aftermath of the blast, dozens of local residents fled their homes and stayed with family and friends overnight.
A gas cylinder exploded during the fire and there were concerns oxyacetylene cylinders stored on site could also blow up — forcing the emergency services to put in place a strict 100-metre cordon around the site.
Tayside Fire and Rescue have described cylinders of oxyacetylene as potential “bombs”. When heated by fire they have to be left to cool for 24 hours because they could explode.
The Health and Safety Executive have ordered a probe into the incident and will be looking at whether Mr Grassie had a valid licence for welding work and using chemicals such as acetylene. A spokesperson said Mr Grassie could be prosecuted if his house was not in order.
Monifieth and Sidlaw councillor John Whyte said he hoped the HSE’s report would get to the bottom of what happened on Monday. He said, “I know the Health and Safety Executive do take a little time to investigate the situation. I think a little forbearance is needed.” |
