Burialground shopstogoahead
A Glasgow firm has been shown the green light by Perth and Kinross Council to build two shops on an medieval burial ground in Perth.
Manorgate Ltd have finally been granted permission to build two retail units on the corner of Whitefriars Business Park on the edge of the city centre.
Over 750 years ago, the site on the corner of Riggs Road and Long Causeway was founded as the cemetery for the Carmelite Friary of Tullilum.
But over the last ten years, archaeologists have excavated the skeletal remains of over 330 people from the vacant patch of land.
And now, the site is finally moving ready to be built on, according to PKC - providing the developers stick to the conditions set out by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, who describe the friary as“one of the key institutions of the medieval burgh of Perth”.
A spokesperson said:“Development shall not commence on site until the developer has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted by the applicant and agreed in writing by the council as planning authority in consultation with Perth and Kinross HeritageTrust.
“Thereafter the developer shall ensure that the programme of archaeological works is fully implemented including that all excavation, preservation, recording, recovery, analysis, publication and archiving of archaeological resources within the development site is undertaken and fully completed within 24 months of the date of this decision notice.
“In addition, the developer shall afford access at all reasonable times to Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust or a nominated representative and shall allow them to observe work in progress.”
PKC’s environmental health department have also stated that they have no issues with the permission being granted for the former builders yard.
Working alongside Edinburghbased Paul Welsh Architects, the units will be complete with 14 parking spaces, and Manorgate has been told not to touch the trees currently located on the site.