Councillors urged to back plans for new Blairgowrie housing

A bid to build new homes on the edge of Blairgowrie is poised for approval, despite scores of objections from locals.

Landowners want planning consent for four houses across nearly two acres of grassland off Golf Course Road.

A total of 20 people have complained about the proposal, claiming it is an “inappropriate” use of land and will have a negative visual impact.

Road safety concerns have also been raised.

A handful of people have written to planners in support of the development, arguing that it will have little impact on the local roads network.

The scheme has been supported by planning officers, who have recommended councillors give it the go-ahead at their meeting tomorrow.

If approved, developers will have to submit more detailed plans before work can begin.

Interim development quality manager Anne Condliffe said in her report: “The development will have an impact on the visual amenity of the area, as it will result in the removal of an existing area of open space.

“However, a change in the appearance of a site is not a reason for rendering it unacceptable.

“Subject to a suitably designed detailed submission, I am confident that the development would be visually compatible with the existing, surrounding area, and would not be incongruous.”

She said most objectors had raised concerns about restricted visibility at the Woodlands Road junction because of high hedges.

“Precise details of the point of access, and suitable visibility splays, will be required as part of the (follow-up planning) application,” she added.