Battle lines drawn in Luncarty expansion

Planning chiefs back development despite several objections from residents

Multi-million-pound expansion plans, which could transform a village on the edge of Perth, are poised for approval despite scores of objections from locals.

Luncarty residents are battling to block the 650-home development, earmarked for 100 acres of farmland to the south of the village.

Developers A&J Stephen and I&H Brown said the project will meet a demand for affordable homes – about a quarter of the site – and provide space for start-up businesses.

Opponents argue local roads will not be able to cope with the population boom, as well as an influx of construction traffic.

Now the scheme has won crucial support from planning chiefs. Councillors will be asked to back the masterplan at a meeting next week.

However, planners are expected to call for tight restrictions on the number of homes built before work on the A9 and Cross Tay Link Road is progressed.

Controversial housing plans which could more than double the size of a Perthshire village have won crucial support from planning chiefs, despite widespread opposition from locals.

Developers want to build up to 650 houses on the southern edge of Luncarty.

Local firms A&J Stephen and I&H Brown say the project will create jobs, deliver wider benefits to the local economy and address a need for affordable housing.

But the plan is facing a backlash, with more than 100 people calling for the scheme to be scrapped.

Opponents argue that the local roads network will not cope with the population boom and that the village primary school is almost at capacity.

It is estimated the scheme, across 100 acres of farmland, would increase the population size from 1,600 to nearly 4,000.

Planning officers are now calling for councillors to approve the masterplan at next week’s planning and development management committee.

In her report, interim quality manager Anne Condliffe said: “The proposal will provide a significant contribution toward meeting the projected population growth of Perth and Kinross. It will also help assist funding of significant community infrastructure improvements that will benefit Luncarty and the wider area.”

If approved, it is likely a condition will be set to limit the number of occupied homes by 2024 to 300. Plans to connect the site to the planned Cross Tay Link Road and the A9 would need to be approved before any more homes will be considered.

The Luncarty, Redgorton and Moneydie Community Council lodged a formal objection after a public meeting at which around 40 people raised concerns.

Spokesman Iain Matheson said roads would struggle to cope with construction trucks.

“Vibrations from heavy traffic are likely to damage foundations, as evidenced at Lochty where similar traffic flows resulted in cracks appearing on houses.”

He added: “The community council do not consider that the development can proceed until important infrastructure like schooling is in place.”

Concerns have also been raised about drainage, wildlife and the visual impact of the development.

The plan will go before councillors on Wednesday.

Vibrations from heavy traffic are likely to damage foundations, as evidenced at lochty where similar traffic flows resulted in cracks appearing on houses. IAIN MATHESON

A map showing where the expansion of Luncarty would be developed.