Building firm asks government to carry out review after housing plan rejected

Council refused to grant permission, with more than 160 complaints received

Developers have taken a rejected Kinross-shire housing development, which racked up more than 160 complaints and led to street protests, to the highest level of appeal.

On Friday it was announced that Springfield Properties had asked the Scottish Government to review Perth and Kinross Council’s refusal of their Pitdownies Farm application in Milnathort.

The housing giant’s proposals for 59 houses and eight flats to be built in the town was refused by council planners in February.

But Springfield have sent a report to Holyrood’s planning and environmental appeals division demanding the decision is scrutinised by their reporters. The blueprint, which showed a sizeable development between Curlers Crescent and the M90, was eventually knocked back due to fears Milnathort’s infrastructure and GP surgery would not be able to cope with the influx of people.

The site had been earmarked for 60 homes in the council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) 2.

However, in their appeal to the Scottish Government, Springfield say “the additional housing was generally welcomed, particularly the range proposed”.

More than 80 people attended the housebuilder’s community engagement project and a street protest was attended by dozens of residents.

But Springfield say that as most expert bodies developers must consult with did not object, the council had no grounds to throw out their bid.

The firm’s appeal stated: “The report to committee summarises the consultation responses from external bodies. Other than Milnathort Community Council none of these bodies objected to the application.

“Neither were there any objections from internal consultees other than biodiversity/tree officer who did not object in principle.

“The lack of objection by the appropriate consultation bodies on infrastructure issues confirms that these matters do not justify refusing permission.”

Community council chairman Craig Williams said: “We are disappointed but not surprised that Springfield have lodged an appeal against the decision to refuse the Pitdownies application.

“However we hope that, when making his or her decision, the reporter will take into account the concerns we raised at the outset and which were largely ignored by planning officials, namely the impact such a development would have on local infrastructure and the traffic chaos it would cause.”

Kevin Heneghan, spokesman for the Pitdownies Action Group, said: “The Milnathort Waste Water Treatment plant already overflows into Loch Leven at certain times and can barely cope with the existing level of effluent. These serious issues can’t be resolved by simply tweaking the application to overcome a few technicalities.”

Scottish Government reporters will make their decision in the coming weeks.

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Pitdownies Action Group protesting against the plans last year.