Petition against homes plans
Constant stream flags up concerns
A petition sparked by what those behind it state are “deep concerns” over what they feel is a “relentless stream”of housing proposals earmarked for east Perthshire has been formally submitted.
Residents living near Blairgowrie Community Campus have amassed hundreds of signatures against what they claim is the over-development of the area.
It states the signatories are “deeply concerned at the relentless stream of housing proposals being presented for approval by the planning department”.
More than 500 people signed the protest document, which was handed to councillors for Blairgowrie and the Glens ward in order for it to be presented to local authority officers.
And Councillor Bob Brawn has since confirmed the petition has been passed to PKC’s acting depute chief executive.
The Conservative elected member said: “I have now handed in the recent petition signed by over 500 Blairgowrie residents reflecting their concerns about the new building developments coming forward for approval and the knock on effect to the town’s infrastructure and
Councillor Bob Brawn greenspace.
“As I’ve said before, we cannot keep Blairgowrie in some sort of ‘bubble’ – it must evolve to survive.
“However, we must ensure that the infrastructure is not left behind or overwhelmed in the process.
“Roads, health services, police and fire, schools – all need to be constantly reviewed and upgraded when necessary.
“It would be easy to write this petition off as a form of ‘nimbyism.’ That would be unfair and a disservice to the many residents who signed this document and whose concerns should not be underestimated in any way.”
The petition was raised prior to a decision on a which could help pave the way for a further 117 homes to be built in Blairgowrie being deferred.
Elements of the application by Stewart Milne Homes in relation to land off Maple Place were to have been considered by the planning and development management committee on July 4.
However it is understood the ‘approval of matters specified’ document was removed from the agenda shortly before the gathering of elected members to allow a recentlysubmitted transport assessment to be looked at.
Local authority officers will view the findings before re-submitting the report for consideration by the committee at a later date.
The wider proposal for the 5.7 hectare site – between the east Perthshire town’s Maple Place and Piggy Lane – includes the potential for 20 terraced houses, 34 semi-detached houses and 63 detached dwellings, as well associated garages and roads.
The bid has been recommended for approval and received ‘in principle’ consent in 2014 subject to several conditions being met.
Stewart Milne Homes has said previously that land for new housing in Blairgowrie was identified by the council in response to “significant demand for housing and economic regeneration in the region” and that its proposals align with the planned expansion of the town.