The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Plans for extension to Highland Spring rail yard given green light
“We have removed two HGVs so far and the trains are now the size of 22 HGVs,” he said.
“The rail freight facility will enable us to transport goods in an environmentally sustainable way, reduce our carbon footprint and remove approximately 40% of the current HGV movements around the village.
“We were encouraged that only three objections were received in relation to this application.
“We have sensitively designed the facility to minimise noise and visual impacts on the community.
“The installation of noise monitoring equipment will ensure noise limits are adhered to when the facility is in operation.”
The plans will see an afternoon train move into the facility at 3.55pm and leave at 6.45pm.
If needed, a morning train will also be in operation, arriving at 6.30am and leaving at 11.30am.
An official from Highland Spring confirmed during the committee meeting the large train engines would be turned off three minutes after their arrival.
Jamie Scott, team leader for major applications at Perth and Kinross Council, also confirmed five-metre and three-metre high acoustic fences will be constructed around the site to reduce noise pollution for locals.
Despite approving the plans, Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Wilson called the application “complicated and complex, with a lot of issues and a degree of controversy”.