A transition to low carbon mobility technologies will be required if we are to decarbonise Scotland’s transport network and meet our net zero targets. The rural economy has a crucial role to play in delivering this transition. The primary focus to date has been on providing low-carbon mobility solutions in urban areas, with limited attempts to explore the relevance and sustainability of these solutions within the rural context.

With a large rural population in an important strategic location, and with complementary economic and research strengths, Angus is perfectly positioned to lead on this rural transition. The proposed development will be a flagship project which will play a critical role in the decarbonisation of the Scottish rural transport network and overall domestic transport sector. It forms part of the Tay Cities programme.

Angus Council’s ambition is to deliver an Angus Rural Mobility Hub to provide the infrastructure, services and skills programme needed to enable the Tay region’s transition to a low carbon, inclusive economy through a range of smart mobility and energy services. 

The proposal is for a clean refuelling hub development including bio Compressed Natural Gas supply and an electric vehicle charging hub, with access, landscaping, drainage and associated works. 

Angus Rural Mobility Hub has the potential to deliver a step change in clean transport infrastructure on the national trunk road network and in doing so, create skills and new career opportunities within Angus and the Tay Region.

Location

Scotland’s first regional mobility hub will be located on the A90 between Aberdeen and Dundee, integrating zero carbon energy systems with mobility services, enabling a ‘smart mobility infrastructure’.

The site is c.3.69 hectare in size, accessed through the Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar, beside the A90, via an existing grade separated junction. The site is currently unused open grassland and lies within the defined settlement boundary of Forfar.

The site’s northern edge backs on to Forfar Loch Country Park. The A90 runs directly to the west, with Orchard Loan to the east. The southern boundary is formed by the A94 and Glamis Junction, and to the east Orchardbank Industrial estate and some residential properties. The site is highly visible from the A90 trunk road and has a gently undulating topography.

The approved Development Brief for the site states that development within this area should be designed to not have any adverse impact on the character or setting of the Forfar Loch Country Park. Careful consideration has been given to the nature of proposals in order to ensure compatibility.

Project Aims

The main focus of the project is to:

• Accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon transport network for Angus and the Tay Region, support job creation in the low-carbon economy.
• Support meeting carbon emission reduction targets and ambitions set by the Scottish Government, UK Government and Angus Council.
• Deliver savings to businesses in Angus as a result of reduced fuel and maintenance costs from the use of cleaner mobility technologies.
• Identify new uses cases to unlock demand and grow clean refuelling technology and infrastructure deployment in Angus.
• Inspire local people, educate children and young people about opportunities in the clean mobility sector and create inclusive growth through economic opportunities.

The current concept and vision for the proposed development includes the following key elements:

• Provision for clean refuelling stations.
• Infrastructure to allow for an initial 34 truck dispenses per day, with potential for future expansion. Safe segregation of delivery, compression, storage, and dispense areas.
• Spare capacity and space to accommodate public or private car and van refuelling.
• A welfare building (detailed design to follow in a future planning application) with seating and toilet facilities.
• Northern hub to allow for electric vehicle charging facilities to be delivered for commercial vehicles.
• Flood protection measures and compensatory storage is to be provided as part of a strategic flood risk assessment for the wider business park.
• New, modern, energy-efficient LED lighting will be installed to safely support refuelling areas and electric vehicle charging bays.
• A new water connection installed to serve the welfare hub, with a dedicated fire hydrant main provided to enhance site safety and emergency response.

Landscape Design Principles

• Retain and enhance vegetation: Limit removals; strengthen boundaries and connect habitats to support biodiversity.
• Respond to rural context: Align design with landscape character and nearby paths, country park, and business park.
• Buffer key views: Reinforce western and northern boundaries to enhance the A90 tree belt and reduce visibility from Forfar Loch Country Park.
• Integrate movement: Support pedestrian and cyclist movement with tree-lined routes.
• Climate-Resilient SuDS: Choose appropriate species to green SuDS, enhance visual amenity, wildlife habitats, and improve drainage and water quality.
• Enhance user experience: Create welcoming gateways, green amenity spaces, and legible routes.
• Allow for future flexibility: Design landscapes to accommodate future buildings, utilities, and phased works.
• Improve connectivity: Ensure strong links to Public Rights of Ways, Forfar Loch Country Park, and local amenities.
• Respect landform: Avoid ground disturbance in peat areas.

Public Consultation

We welcome you to share your views on the proposed development.

There are a number of ways that you can comment on the proposed development and vision:

• Complete and submit a feedback form.
• Email the Project Team direct at: stevie.sinclair@stantec.com putting “Angus Rural Mobility Hub” within the subject line.
• Contact a member of the Project Team (Stevie Sinclair) on 0131 335 4200.

Please provide any feedback to the information presented for the second round of public consultation by Tuesday 10 March 2026.

Please note: Your feedback will be reviewed by the Project Team and may be reused anonymously in a Pre-Application Consultation report submitted to Angus Council. Although any comments made to this consultation process may form part of a future planning application submission document, they will not be considered by the Council as a formal representation to any future planning application. You will have the opportunity to make a formal representation to Angus Council once any planning application has been submitted.