Heritage group’s warning
A heritage watchdog has urged councillors to take Perth’s heritage into account when signing-off a key planning blueprint which could change the face of the region for generations to come.
Perth Civic Trust chair David MacLehose handed the group’s submission on the draft Local Development Plan 2, agreed by its executive committee, to Councillor Murray Lyle yesterday – the penultimate day for feedback following a lengthy consultation process.
He said: “We are concerned that the general appearance of the city’s buildings and access roads must be improved to show off the city’s fine buildings.”
The Trust considers the draft LDP2 is a “positive guide” for planning for the period until 2028 – but important issues require to be highlighted for reconsideration.
These include the potential release of land for houses – which could accommodate a 35 per cent increase in population in the Perth area – implications for the roads network and the subsequent impact on air quality.
The heritage watchdog also recommends “essential” improvements to the cycle and pedestrian routes and that conservation plans be reviewed regularly.
Mr MacLehose added: “Cycle and pedestrian routes must be improved ... [and] are not adequately addressed in the draft LDP2.” Lionel Richie Noel Gallagher