Plans to transform historic town factory into a yoga studio and hair salon

Plans to transform a historic town factory into a yoga studio and hair salon have been recommended for approval.

Fraser Commercial Group Ltd is seeking planning permission for a development to transform the Montrose rope works.

The C-listed building, known locally as the Ropey, was previously home to the Montrose Men’s Shed.

This is the last big step for the development, as plans for the site were first revealed in late 2024.

Those plans included a bakery and café in a development the applicants said could create 20 new jobs.

However, the plans were later withdrawn after a wave of local opposition and a scaled-back version of the proposals was submitted.

The latest proposals have attracted 13 letters of representation, with six raising objections and seven offering support.

Concerns raised include road traffic and pedestrian safety, privacy impacts and inadequate parking.

Montrose Community Council offered “support for the reuse of the building” but notes “concern in relation to parking and site access to the proposed intensity of use”.

Angus Council planning officers have recommended that councillors approve the bid when it goes before elected members at a development standards committee this week.