The casting vote of Angus development standards convener David Lumgair saw the 77 flats and shop proposal off Ferry Road clear the planning hurdle despite concerns of committee members.

His move ended a stalemate after a ballot on whether or not to give the project the go-ahead was tied at six votes apiece.

The biggest sticking points were the lack of affordable housing being provided through the development and the contribution to education by the developer, H&H Properties.

Council policy states in Monifieth 40% of such schemes should be made up of low-cost housing. At Milton Mill, that should have meant 31 affordable houses.

But just seven such properties for people desperate for a roof over their heads will be provided.

The applicants were also facing a £231,000 bill (£3000 per property) towards the upgrading of Monifieth High School, which the committee heard was at capacity.

Angus education boss Jim Anderson asked for the contribution, but planners said they’d accept a £2250 offer per unit from the developer.

The committee was told the reduction on the number of low-cost houses and education contri-bution were necessary to make the development viable.

Councillor Frank Ellis, a former convener of the committee, was sceptical and called for the scheme to be turned down as he had “grave concerns about chequebook planning”.

Planning chief Eric Lowson confirmed the applicants faced abnormal development costs such as land contamination and its proximity to the Dighty Burn and main east coast railway.