Now outline plans have emerged for a service station just south of the Muirdrum junction and local councillors went against planning officials’ refusal recommendation after warning the community would not forgive if they pulled the plug on the plan.

The site, just over a kilometre north of the town to the east of the A930, was described by planning boss Eric Lowson as contrary to policy and likely to have an adverse impact on the countryside.

Applicant Gavin Watson’s agent, Roger Brunton, told councillors that in the few days after the emergence of the refusal recommendation a 300-signature petition had been gathered in support of the scheme.

He also delivered a letter from Carnoustie Business Association backing the fuel station plan, saying many local businesses were being forced to spend tens of thousands bunkering diesel for their HGVs, while vital cash was seeping from Carnoustie through locals filling up in Dundee or Arbroath and shopping there.

Local councillor Helen Oswald led support for the go-ahead, saying, “There have been no negative comments on this and I would be very surprised if there were any objections.”