Council to consider over-55s homes plan

Perthshire company Morris Leslie is hoping councillors will give approval to a major homes development aimed at the over-55s market.

The firm’s secluded site near Perth Aerodrome already enjoys planning consent for holiday chalets.

On Tuesday, Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development committee will be asked to tweak an existing consent, to allow for permanent occupation of bungalow-type units by retired and semi-retired buyers.

Despite the ongoing economic crisis triggered by Covid-19, the company remains committed to the ambitious £8 million project.

“As far as we are aware the council has received no objections to the proposed amendment and, ideally, we would be targeting a start date in the spring, allowing the first residents to assume occupancy later in 2021,” explained Morris Leslie spokesman Colin Mclachlan.

“We have been greatly encouraged by the interest already being shown by potential buyers. We certainly anticipate strong demand as and when we have completed the planning process.”

The 53-unit Forest Park Village is earmarked for woodland off the Perth-coupar Angus road.

The planners are recommending refusal but Mr Mclachlan stressed the 13-acre, project would help meet demand from active over-55s for twobedroom, bungalow-style homes in a community setting.

He noted that the P&K Health and Social Care Partnership had raised no objections, while an academic study highlighted the growing demand for homes in the niche identified by Morris Leslie.

“The academic survey confirmed the development has the potential to assist the local authority with what is, and will continue to be, an increasing issue of providing sufficient high-quality living accommodation for the everincreasing elderly population,” added Mr Mclachlan.