Plans for business park at Auchterarder approved despite complaints.

AUCHTERARDER: Developers promise up to 300 new jobs will be created

Plans for a major business park on the edge of Auchterarder have been given the green light, despite complaints from nearby residents.

The multi-million-pound estate is expected to attract millions of pounds of investment and create around 300 jobs.

Local firm D King Properties proposes a mix of office blocks and industrial storage.

Neighbours objected to the 15-acre development, worried it could increase crime after dark.

They were also concerned about noise, visual impact, light pollution and the loss of a popular recreational space, well used by dog walkers.

Despite the objections, the project was granted planning permission by members of Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development management committee.

They approved the scheme without discussion at their meeting yesterday morning.

Supporting the plan, interim development quality manager Anne Condliffe said: “The proposal will complement the large-scale residential development which is currently under way on land to the north-west of this site.

“It is indicated that the proposed development could provide approximately 270 to 300 direct jobs to the local area, once fully developed.”

The plan is part of a wider expansion of the Lang Toon.

Last week, the former Rosebank Depot, identified in a local retail study as a potential supermarket site, was sold by the council at auction for £300,000.

The 30,500sq ft plot, three miles from the Gleneagles Hotel, is next to the under-construction Kirkton residential expansion zone.

Ms Condliffe said: “It is recognised that the development of this site will undoubtedly result in an element of disturbance to neighbouring properties, in comparison with the status quo, due to building works and operation of new land uses.

“Consultation has been undertaken with environmental health officers, who advise that the predicted increase in noise at existing residential properties is negligible.”

Residents warned the park would cause traffic problems and pollution on already congested and flood-prone roads.

One local said: “The council is aware that many local children walk back and forth to schools in the centre of Auchterarder and it is unacceptable to subject them to further degraded quality of air.”

Opponents added that local police services were already stretched and could not cope if the park attracted thieves after dark.

The predicted increase in noise at existing residential properties is negligible. ANNE CONDLIFFE, PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL

Picture: Angus Findlay. Green land earmarked for a new business park in Auchterarder, promised to create up to 300 jobs. However, people living nearby objected over light, noise and loss of greenery.