MP calls on council to listen to local opposition over housing

Planning chiefs must give full consideration to the voices raised in opposition to controversial housing plans in Scone, MP Pete Wishart has said.

Around 800 people have now objected to proposals that would see 700 homes built in the town, with road safety, congestion, air quality and pressure on services among the main concerns.

Mr Wishart is concerned the genuine voices are heard in the wake of disquiet over a flurry of supportive comments.

They appeared on Perth and Kinross Council’s planning website in recent days but have been linked to building firm A&J Stephen’s employees.

The firm is behind the Scone North plan.

The MP for Perth and North Perthshire said: “While it is anyone’s right to comment on any planning application in the country, I would ask that the planning authority ensure that local voices are listened to with regards to the proposed development in Scone.

“I recently attended a public meeting at which a number of very valid objections were raised.

“It is important that those who will be affected by the proposals are able to have their say on the matter.”

Meanwhile, more than 200 people have signed a petition calling on the council to block further housebuilding in Scone until the Cross Tay Link Road is complete.

An attempt to persuade elected members to veto construction until the new bridge has been built was dismissed at council committee earlier this year.

Campaigners are still pushing for that concession, among them Strathmore councillor Lewis Simpson.