Objections to new cemetery bid double
A man’s second bid to build a new cemetery near a wedding venue in the Carse of Gowrie has drawn more than double the number of objections than was filed against his first.
Andrew Threipland first applied for consent to create over 1000 burial plots on land at Witches Knowe close to Fingask Castle near Rait in March but then withdrew the bid three months later.
His initial application drew five objections from residents plus a sixth from the Braes of the Carse Conservation Group (BCCG) who all raised concerns about the amount of extra traffic they believe the proposal would bring into the area.
Mr Threipland reapplied for consent for the cemetery in July stressing any increase in traffic is expected to be “minimal” but this time eleven locals plus the BCCG and Rait Community Association have objected to the plan.
One objector has told PKC: “We are extremely concerned about the thought of increased traffic [passing] through Rait ... and the safety of our children relative to this proposal.
“Over the last few years traffic going through the village has increased. Deliveries to [Fingask] Castle often take access through the village at inappropriate speeds, as well as increased numbers of guests getting lost on [the] route has meant we no longer feel our children are safe.
“The road network is not designed for the speeds that people drive, however despite the condition of the track to the castle via the village this does not stop people driving erratically.
“A meeting was held two years ago with the people of Rait and castle representatives where we were promised that appropriate signage would be put up to help discourage wedding traffic coming through the village.
“Whatever steps that were taken haven’t resolved this problem. In our opinion neither non-local nor ‘can’t find venue’ or ‘late for wedding’ traffic drive at appropriate speeds and any additional pressure put on this by those attending the proposed development will only exacerbate this.”
Another objector has complained: “We do not have public transport facilities and the nearest bus stop involves a walk to the Errol flyover/ The Horn [restaurant].
“The road is a cycling/walking route and as such has a 40mph speed restriction. Despite this there was a near fatal accident last year while two teenager[s] were trying to get to the bus stop. I fear increased traffic will lead to increased accidents.
“Increased traffic is only going to make this road more dangerous and Rait less desirable - people want to live here precisely because it is quiet and a safe place to walk [and] cycle.”
However Mr Threipland has since told PKC he has met locals to discuss their concerns and is prepared to put signs up to stop so many drivers needlessly passing through the village.
He told council planners in a letter dated August 21: “I attended a public meeting at Rait Village Hall ... at which there were several matters of concern to members of the public about which I hope I can give some reassurance.
“The main concern was that the proposal will bring more traffic through the village.
“From time to time concerns are expressed about cars coming through the village on the way to Fingask Castle: to address this and any further intrusion of cars on the way to funerals ... I would be prepared to have a notice erected ... before the entrance to the village to say that there is no vehicular access to Fingask Castle.”
And speaking to the PA at the end of last week Mr Threipland said: “I am very sad to hear people have complained and I will do anything I can to ameliorate their concerns.”
The application awaits a decision from PKC planners.