Dozens object to homes plan due to road

A man’s bid to build four houses in the grounds of his estate at Duncrievie has drawn over two dozen objections from locals worried the development will lead to more drivers using a narrow country lane they claim is “dangerous”.

Reuben Burgess applied for permission in principle to build four detached dwellings close to Duncrievie House in November last year but the proposal has attracted objections from a community council, a coach company and at least 24 residents.

Supporting documents say each of the new dwellings would have driveways with enough room to park two cars but locals say they already see too many drivers and pedestrians getting into trouble along a single track lane which provides access to the estate known as Callford Brae.

One resident has told Perth and Kinross Council in an objection: “Callford Brae has no pavements, no lighting and very poor visibility from both top and bottom of the Brae.

“Due to the visibility issue, cars, vans, tractors with trailers [and] trucks frequently meet on the Brae with one having to reverse either up or down to allow the other to pass.

“This is really dangerous, particularly when reversing at the bottom where there is a sheer drop into a field and burn or, even worse, [reversing] onto the main road with no ability to see oncoming traffic.

“Pedestrians and cyclists also use the Brae as the main link ... to our bus stop and to Glenfarg - if a vehicle is on the Brae a pedestrian or cyclist has no choice but to move up onto the verge at the side.

“This is totally unsafe and the addition of this development would only make this situation worse.”

Glenfarg Community Council said in its objection to the scheme any increase in vehicular traffic in the area associated with the proposed development that could compromise the safety of road users“is not acceptable”.

The group has told PKC:“The very physical nature of Callford Brae does not lend itself to an increase in additional vehicular traffic, particularly when there is no ... passing places.”

Gary Rutherford, director of local coach hire company Earnside

Coaches, has also told PKC he believes it would be“inappropriate”to allow any more housing to be built in the area without“significant improvements”being made to Callford Brae first.

He added in his objection:“It is also worth noting that SatNav systems direct traffic along this lane to reach Duncrievie ... I have often encountered bewildered drivers unfamiliar with the area attempting to negotiate the track and have been alarmed to see some even attempt to reverse blindly out onto the incredibly busy B996 at the foot of the lane.”

The application awaits a decision from PKC planners.