Move to divert core path close to retail site

Perth and Kinross Council has moved to stop up and divert a core path and right of way on the outskirts of Blairgowrie so developers can press ahead with a planned retail development.

The local authority is promoting an order to stop up and divert part of the Ardblair Wood Path on the west side of the A93 opposite the town’s cemetery so Forrest Developments and TJ Morris can build a new Home Bargains store.

The two companies were granted consent to create a 25,600 square foot-store in January this year after management of the discount retailer decided they needed a larger unit than one originally proposed for the site a few years ago.

A public notice of the stopping up and diversion order, published last week, said: “The effect of the order will be to stop up a section of footpath on the west side of Perth Road, Blairgowrie, and divert it immediately northwards to allow for the construction of a Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) pond and an employment unit, as well as the SuDS pond servicing the wider West Park development.”

The council’s website says of the proposed order: “The council is content that the proposed stopping up and diversion results in as minor a diversion as possible and will not unduly inconvenience access takers using the core path, right of way and Ardblair Trail.

“It has adequate landscaping and path design, which is well integrated within the development and will be suitable for multi-use.

“The applicant has also provided a plan for a temporary diversion of the path during construction which is acceptable to the council.”

Full details can be accessed via the council’s website The deadline for any feedback is April 22.