Row’s rumbling on over houses

Doubt over Scone plan’s 800 responses

Campaigners opposed to housing plans around Scone have cried foul over letters supporting the bid.

A&J Stephen wants to build around 700 homes and has lodged plans which has seen more than 800 responses to the scheme north of the village.

But protesters have taken issue with some of the correspondents after they appeared to be repeatedly making the same points, and campaigners also say a number of them have similar mistakes throughout.

While such activity is legal and quite common, those opposed to the plans say it opens up a debate on the weighting given to letters from both sides of such schemes.

The PA was contacted by one Scone resident who reported a “steady stream” of similar letters, apparently with a shared format, had been posted on the council’s online planning portal.

And yesterday another campaigner told us: “People in Scone and the others who have objected to the housing are aware of these letters.

“There have been 800 items of correspondence about the application, and most of those who have objected have identified their connection to the housing, stating they live in Scone or Bridgend or Gannochy.

“That is not the case for these letters of support. Many of them (the letters of support) also have the same concluding statements too.

“We simply want the process to be fair, open and accountable. We’ve nothing to hide.”

The development is based around the go-ahead for the £113m Cross-Tay Link Road which will open up expansion opportunities. But there has been anger about the timing of the home housing scheme, with 100 homes planned initially, and when the road will be delivered.

The council is being urged not to allow the scheme to go ahead before the link between Scone and the A9 is in place.

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said yesterday: “All letters of representation, whether they are in support of or objecting to an application, are logged and considered as part of the decision making process when determining a planning application.”

And a spokesperson for A&J Stephen yesterday declined the chance to respond when invited to do so by the PA.

Earlier this week it was revealed that the housebuilding firm was asked to investigate the presence of rare species of animals, namely beavers, near to the site.

The PA also understands that an organised protest march to demonstrate opposition, could be staged through Perth within weeks, subject to official approval.

The in principle application for houses at North Scone is available for comment until next month.

We want the process to be fair and open . . .