More than 100 homes approved despite concerns

MORE than 100 properties are to be built in Blairgowrie despite concerns raised by several residents.

Westpark Partnership LLP’s plans will see 71 homes and 32 flats built on land near Blairgowrie High School and the town’s Lidl and Home Bargains stores.

Some of the homes, 73 overall, will be affordable and the rest reserved for private sale.

The properties form part of a wider mixed use development plan for the site, for which permission in principle was approved in 2018.

The application was supported yesterday, despite 21 objections from local residents. Issues of concern raised included visual impact on the area, loss of privacy, risk of flooding, inappropriate land use and the impact on existing infrastructure.

The plans were discussed at a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s planning committee, where councillors also expressed doubts.

Conservative Blairgowrie councillor Bob Brawn raised concerns about the impact on local services such as GP practices, some of which he claimed have now reached, or are nearing, their capacity.

He said: “This is a big development and a big site and I have some concerns.”

He added: “GPs cover Blairgowrie and Rattray and I feel we need to make some inquiries there in preparation for the future.

“With the development I have concerns over all the affordable housing being all in one site, which is against council policy.

Councillor Ian James spoke in favour of the plans, saying: “We’ve already given it planning in principle and don’t see why we should turn it down.”