Petition launch as builders seek approval

Residents living near Blairgowrie Community Campus have started a petition against what they claim is the over-development of the area.

The move has come following the news that a planning application by Stewart Milne for 117 houses on land between Maple Place and Piggy Lane is to be considered by Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development management committee, which next meets on Wednesday, July 4.

The proposed development is adjacent to 71 affordable housing units currently under construction at Blackthorn Place and just a few hundred yards away from the controversial West Park development – which, once the long-term project is completed, could include up to 400 houses, a care home and retail units.

The petition states that the signatories are“deeply concerned at the relentless stream of housing proposals being presented for approval by the planning department”.

It goes on:“They represent massive over-development which the present infrastructure of the town cannot sustain. The associated loss of open green space also represents diminishing amenity to communities which is unacceptable.

“In particular, the destruction of the wildlife habitat in the proposed development at Maple Place and Piggy Lane would be devastating.

“This crucial wildlife sanctuary should certainly be protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Hundreds of people have already signed the petition, which will be handed to local councillors on Friday this week ahead of the local authority’s planning meeting.

Martin Smith is one of the campaigners behind the petition.

He said:“Our main concern is the loss of wildlife habitat in the area of this proposed development.

“We understand that the area is a haven for rare species of newt, natterjack toads and orchids and think that more work should be done to survey the area before any decision on planning is made.

“The land is also a great facility for children. They play out there, building dens, climbing trees and having adventures. It is fantastic to see.

“We also object to the fact that all these houses are being built in Blairgowrie and Rattray with no improvements to the related infrastructure in the town.

“People are concerned about existing parking problems, traffic levels and even whether they can get doctors’appointments.”

Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Caroline Shiers said:“I fully understand the concerns of residents surrounding the application for Maple Place.

“I met with the planning officer on Monday to discuss the detail of the application.

“My main concerns centre around the traffic, over-development and implications on the amenity of the surrounding area.

“This area is, however, zoned for housing. It is important that any design that is approved addresses these concerns.”

Copies of the petition are available in the HEAT Project office in Blairgowrie’s Wellmeadow.