Go ahead for storage centre
Ministers rule plan can go ahead
Scottish ministers have ruled a controversial bid to establish a timber store in Kinross-shire can go ahead despite councillors teaming up to block it earlier this year.
Barnhill Estates bid for the storage and distribution centre at Lambhill Farm near Blairingone was opposed by every member of the council’s planning committee back in January with some citing concerns about the number of additional trucks the development would bring to local roads.
The committee heard objectors say the scheme would see an extra 100 HGVs coming into the area every day over and above the number already calling at a waste wood storage centre close by and councillors moved to refuse the application arguing trucks accessing the site could endanger other road users.
However government reporter Grainne O’Keeffe has dismissed those concerns and granted Barnhill Estates permission to set up the store after reviewing the council’s reasons for refusal following an appeal.
“The council argues that the development is not designed for the safety and convenience of all potential road users,” she wrote in her decision notice.
“From my observations on site I note that the U213 narrows in width further south beyond the site entrance but it is wide enough from the junction with the A977 for two HGVs to pass. There is also a pedestrian footpath on the western side of the U213.
“I further note that the U213 was also historically used for HGV traffic for the former coal mine. Therefore, I consider that the site could be suitably accessed by HGVs, would allow suitable space for passing vehicles and would not likely endanger the safety of pedestrians and other road users.”
She went on: “The council also refused the development on the grounds that the appellant did not submit a transport assessment of potential impacts of the development on the A977.
“I note that the council has undertaken a study of the A977 and a public consultation on a proposed traffic mitigation scheme, including options for introducing a signalised or roundabout junction at A977/Saline Road, Blairingone.
“It appears the council has already secured funding for the scheme of mitigation measures proposed on the A977. The council’s transport planning team did not require a transport assessment from the appellant and no traffic mitigation measures were required for the proposed development.
“Therefore, I am satisfied that the traffic generated by the proposed development is acceptable.”
She concluded: “Notwithstanding the location of the site outwith a settlement, the existing agricultural building and hardstanding on the site provides an opportunity to diversify the existing agricultural use and generate employment and I am satisfied the impacts of the proposed change of use can be appropriately mitigated.”
She added: “I have considered all the other matters raised, including extant enforcement notices restricting wood chipping operations and the importation/storage of wood material, impact on wildlife, and community benefits, but there are none which would lead me to alter my conclusions.”
Ms O’Keeffe has imposed some conditions on the developer’s consent, however, saying equipment, goods or materials stored outdoors on the site must not exceed six metres in height and noise generated at the store must not rise to unacceptable levels during the day or night.