Flood worries spark protests over housing

Residents and councillors voice concerns but developers say some objectors have bought homes

Angry Scone residents have objected to the first phase of a controversial 700home development in the village.

Since January, Sepa and more than 40 objectors have raised concerns about A&J Stephen’s application to build 42 homes at the North Scone site.

Scone and District Community Council says the developers have failed to meet conditions for issues such as flooding.

A spokesman for the group said: “The main reason for complaints is that people think they haven’t answered the conditions of the original application.

“There are flooding studies they should have carried out and archaeology studies – which they may have carried out – but not made available to the public.

“April 2017 was the last consultation with the developers so I don’t think they really want to talk to us.”

Scone resident Scott Lister added: “The infrastructure in the village is unable to cope with a development of this size. The local primary school is at capacity and the doctors’ surgery is unable to register new patients.”

Environmental protection agency Sepa has also objected to the application in its current form, saying it could place buildings and people at risk of flooding.

It said: “The potential risks to phase 1a that require to be addressed prior to our objection being removed include groundwater flooding and fluvial flooding from the Cramock Burn along the northern boundary of the site.”

Campaigners have previously taken to the streets to voice their concerns after more than 900 people objected to the original masterplan.

However, the developers say some of those protesters have now registered an interest in buying homes.

A spokesperson for A&J Stephen said: “It is normal practice for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to comment on a planning application of this scale and to object until further information is provided.

“We are now working with them to clarify the points raised.

“With regards to Scone and District Community Council, they are entitled to their opinion like any group or individual and their views will be taken into account by Perth and Kinross Council as part of the statutory process.

“When it comes to the wider public, we now have a growing mailing list of people who are interested in purchasing a home on the development and this list includes people who objected to both the outline planning application and the detailed application.”

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “We can confirm that this application is currently under consideration and all comments received will be considered as part of the normal planning process.”

We now have a growing mailing list of people who are interested in purchasing a home on the development and this list includes people who objected. A&J STEPHEN