Councillors move to allay parking worries at Perth mosque site

Council chiefs will offer members of the Perth Islamic Society the use of an overflow car park near their new mosque, neighbours have been assured.

It is hoped that giving access to the Westbank site will help ease congestion fears around the planned place of worship.

The society won planning consent for its development at Jeanfield Road earlier this year, despite concerns about parking.

A handful of objectors told the local authority they had no problem with a mosque in principal, but said they had worries about the impact on local roads and traffic.

Perth and Kinross Council said there was adequate parking for about 80 congregation members.

However, the society said in a public statement that its membership was around 600.

In an effort to reassure residents, three local councillors have taken the unusual step of writing to people living near the site.

In the letter, signed by councillors Willie Wilson, Bob Band and Michael Jamieson said: “Several local residents have asked us if the due process in planning was followed on this occasion and we can confirm that the appropriate procedure was followed in regard to letters of representation from the public and the correct procedures were used in processing the planning application.

“We intend to keep the matter under review and ensure that the planning conditions are implemented. Along with local residents, we will monitor the traffic and parking situation.

“We would also want to advise you that Perth and Kinross Council have offered overflow car parking at Westbank for users of the site.”

Councillors have stressed that, so far, the society only has permission for “change of use” of an existing office block. A follow-up application would be needed to make any major alterations to the building or create a new mosque on the site. The society still needs to secure a building warrant for any construction work.