Fears for local house sales as deal to build 1,300 homes delayed

planning: Further extension leaves residents in limbo claims councillor

A legal agreement that will conclude a controversial plan to build 1,300 homes on the outskirts of Perth has been delayed again sparking fears local house sales will plummet.

A request has been granted to extend the period needed to draw up a planning agreement for Almond Valley between Perth and Kinross Council and developers the Pilkington Trust to April 17.

Kenny Simpson, chair of Methven and District Community Council, said the latest twist could have an “adverse affect on house sales” in the area.

Almond Valley has been in the pipeline for more than 20 years and Mr Simpson is concerned it could become “another Oudenarde”, referencing the housing plan for Bridge of Earn that has taken the same period of time to come to fruition.

When the section 75 planning agreement is concluded the development will see 1,300 homes built along with a primary school and community and leisure facilities on land located between Huntingtowerfield and Ruthvenfield.

Almond Valley has been a fixture on the council’s planning schedule, involving a public inquiry and a Court of Session hearing.

It was knocked back by Perth and Kinross Council last year, but allowed by the Scottish Government after an appeal.

Mr Simpson said: “The first extension that Savills obtained was brought up at our recent community council meeting and concern was raised that this could be like another Oudenarde and go on for months and months if not years,” he said.

“If so, this would have an adverse effect on the sale of properties within the area.

Alastair Wood, director of planning with Savills, speaking on behalf of the Pilkington Trust, did not respond to Mr Simpson’s comments but said the request for the delay arose due to mainly “administrative” reasons.

A spokesperson for the Pilkington Trust added: “We are pleased to confirm that excellent progress is being made in regard to the section 75 legal agreement and it is anticipated that all the key points will be confirmed shortly. The agreement is in its final stages of drafting and we hope this will be completed within the next few weeks.

“The delays experienced have originated from within Perth and Kinross legal team, however, good progress is now being made.”

A council spokeswoman said: “Due to the scale of the proposal, the 18 week time frame for the completion of the section 75 Agreement does not allow sufficient time for the clarifications requested by the council’s legal contractors to be provided. Therefore an extension until April 17 has been granted.”

She said there was no delay on the part of the authority’s legal team. “The case continues to be progressed,” she said.

This was confirmed by one seller who asked whythe buyer had changed their mind and was advised they wished to live in the country, but had not realised there was going to be a major development in the area