Locals get say on 200 homes bid for Rattray

Traffic suggestions made to developers

Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council has raised a number of issues concerning proposals to build more than 200 homes on Glenalmond Road with developers Springfield Properties.

The move comes after Springfield Properties held a drop-in event announcing their plans for the development in Rattray, which was attended by around 50 people.

The firm is behind 80 new properties at Kinloch Gardens by the school and recently submitted a proposal of application notice (PAN) for the potential new development to Perth and Kinross Council.

The application by the Larbert-based developer is for a residential development of around 205 homes, which would be a mixture of two, three and four-bedroomed houses, landscaping, open space and associated infrastructure.

The suggestions made by BRCC to Springfield Properties have been collated from comments received by members of the community council, including feedback given to community councillors at recent Blairgowrie

community markets, and discussions at the community council meeting held in July.

Community councillor Gordon Darge said:“It was unanimously agreed that we provide feedback to assist Springfield in further planning and design of this development, in the hope that our input can bring about a mutually beneficial solution for the site and the community.

“We have studied the initial proposal and, while we consider that the masterplan for the site is a very good, well thoughtout urban design and we broadly support this proposal, we would like to make a number of suggestions which we hope will be taken in the spirit in which they are intended.”

The community council’s main concern was that a traffic impact assessment be undertaken to establish the traffic implications of the development, particularly at the exit of Hatton Road onto Rattray High Street, outside the primary school, Rattray High Street and at the bridge over the Ericht.

Bus provision for the area should also be considered, according to the group.

Other suggestions included connecting access routes between the development and the north east boundary by paving; creating two additional access routes along Glenalmond Road and incorporating more trees and shrubs into the housing layout.

The community council also requested a fully-developed landscaping and biodiversity plan to demonstrate how Springfield Properties intend to meet requirements set out in the local development plan for the area, detailed proposals for the proposed main public space including landscaping, street furniture and play equipment, and of the affordable housing element of the development.

BRCC also suggested that a second smaller public space, primarily for a children’s playground, could be accommodated in the west end of the development and that a donation could be made towards the refurbishment of the nearby skate park as a good will gesture to the community.

It was also proposed that the roads in the development be named after well-known Blairgowrie and Rattray folk musicians – such as Hamish Henderson, Betsy Whyte, Belle Stewart and Sheila Stewart.

Springfield Properties is understood to be hoping to submit a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council next month.