Setback for T in the Park over switch of venue

PLANS to switch T in the Park to Strathallan Castle in Perthshire have suffered a setback after council chiefs demanded a host of clarifications before it will rule on the move.

Promoters are anxious to receive the green light to move Scotland’s biggest music festival from Balado, near Kinross, in time for this summer’s event.

But following a 28-day public consultation planners say the original application lodged by festival organiser DF Concerts lacks vital detail needed for a decision.

Perth and Kinross Council has requested extra information, including on traffic management, protecting rare species, the reasons for choosing the location and local water supplies, ‘ to address issues raised by the consultation’.

A second round of public consultations, lasting 28 days, will be held once the additional details have been submitted. The local authority has admitted it is unable to say when a final decision will be made.

With the festival due to go ahead at the 1,000-acre Perthshire estate over the weekend of July 10-12 and tickets for the event already on sale, DF Concerts has precious little wriggle room.

In a formal request for information, planning officer John Williamson criticised DFC’s existing plans to manage traffic over what is likely to be one of the busiest weekends at the height of the tourism season.

DF Concerts said the request was ‘normal procedure’ and the company hoped to be able to lodge additional information next week.