Traveller site saga could soon be resolved
Long-running planning enforcement moves by council officials could edge closer to conclusion this week.
In 2012 a five pitch Gypsy/Traveller site was proposed at Crook Moss, Crook of Devon, and approved in October 2013, despite concerns from residents.
But following complaints about noise from electricity generators and other outstanding planning conditions – including a suitable water supply – Perth and Kinross Council officers stepped in to resolve the matter.
It led to a handful of committee meetings, starting in September 2015, on what appropriate action was required, with councillors told that some of the solutions, such as electricity supplies, were being held up because of uncertainty from utilities firms.
Councillors had discussed using the full extent of planning powers to bring the development into line, as well as even revoking permission, but agreed to hold back.
Tomorrow the local authority’s new-look development management committee is being asked to consider the latest moves to meet the planning conditions as part of an enforcement update.
Planning papers compiled by interim planning chief Nick Brian show that the scheme was nearing resolution with no further complaints about noise recorded after the generators were housed. A formal electricity connection is still awaited, but water connections to the Drum treatment works have gone ahead.
Mr Brian’s report says:“Key areas of concern in relation to compliance with the conditions attached to the permission have progressed and we are now moving towards resolution of the outstanding matters.
“It is recommended that a closing report be submitted to committee once all planning matters have been resolved.”
Other conditions such as landscaping have also progressed.
Since the initial scheme was approved an application to form further pitches at Crook Moss was rejected. The pitches had been formed and retrospective permission was sought. PKC says that enforcement action is being implemented on this matter with a new owner.