Good turnout and positive feedback at public display
Around 130 people attended a public exhibition in Blairgowrie last week held by developers behind proposals for a huge housing development on the outskirts of Blairgowrie.
Hundreds of new houses, a discount supermarket chain, a care home, spaces for business and areas for community use could be phased in over a number of years on a 74-acre site off the town’s Perth Road.
Feedback to the proposals at the exhibition was largely positive with a number of people welcoming the jobs that will be created in the town by the retail and service developments in particular.
Derek Pirouet from Yeoman McAllister, the Edinburghbased architects who drew up the proposals, was pleased with the outcome of the event and pledged to endeavour to include suggestions from the local community into the plans.
He said: “There has been an overwhelming level expressed in support of the proposals, particularly welcoming the commitment of the Lidl retail unit to provide a wider choice of shopping within the town.
“We have also received a number of interesting suggestions that shall be considered as we seek to evolve the masterplan proposal.”
Morag Young, chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council said: “Around 130 people came along to the exhibition and people were practically queuing to get in and look at the display panels and discuss the proposals being put forward by the developers.
“As well as representatives from the architects behind the plans, there was also a representative from Lidl at the exhibition which was good to see.
“The feedback we have heard has been broadly positive although there are still some questions around the plans and issues around drainage and access for example.
“In addition we would like to see the site developed in a sympathetic way to the town with lots of greenspace rather than a high density housing development.
“We would welcome any further comments or representations from members of the community on this, either through our Facebook page or at any of our monthly public meetings.”
Local Conservative councillor for Blairgowrie and the Glens, Caroline Shiers, said that she came away from the consultation with a lot of comments and queries from residents and businesses.
She said: “Four of the key themes emerged, specifically educational provision, roads and traffic, healthcare and the possible inclusion of some kind of indoor facility for recreational provision – especially for young people and families.
“As part of the next local development plan process I successfully secured an amendment that there would be a full review of local infrastructure - everything from sewerage to health provision.
“This is due to be completed soon and I will be interested to see the outcome of the review as we all know there are huge pressures on services and with a number of substantial applications coming forward for planning, this is only going to get worse without some serious investment.”
Bob Ellis, SNP councillor for the Blairgowrie and the Glens ward, praised the likely jobs boost.
He added: “I spoke to a lot of people and the impression I am getting is that, compared to the last time these proposals were put forward, this time around people were more sympathetic to the plans.
“A lot of pertinent questions were asked at the exhibition, the majority of which seemed to concern the effect the development will have on Perth Road.
“Looking at this application, with a care home, a hotel and a Lidl store - it’s going to bring a phenomenal amount of jobs to the town. The area in question is a dog walkers’ paradise and it will change but in my opinion it will change for the better.”
However, the feedback wasn’t all positive. One local resident said: “I feel that having had discussions with the developers they haven’t listened to what was said last time.
“There are issues with access to the site from the A93, Essendy Road and West Park Road and Altamount Road, but that seems to have been ignored.
“And with more housing proposed for Rattray and for Blackthorn Place I don’t see how any of this is going to be resolved without improvements to the infrastructure in the town.”