Planning decision appealed
Flood scheme questions
Those behind a Strath holiday park have appealed a planning decision which they say calls into question part of the planned flood defence scheme for Comrie.
Comrie Holiday Park applied for permission to form an additional 20 pitches for caravans on an area of land between existing pitches and the planned bunding set to be erected along the River Earn as part of Comrie’s Flood Protection Scheme.
But the application was rejected after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) raised an objection.
Despite the proposal being acceptable to Perth and Kinross Council’s flood team, subject to the flood protection scheme being in place and the provision of suitable onsite flooding mitigation measures, SEPA’s position appears to be that the flood protection scheme will not provide adequate protection in this circumstance.
In the refusal notice David Littlejohn, head of PKC’s planning and development department, stated: “The proposal is unacceptable to SEPA as a) the proposed development may place buildings and persons at flood risk, b) the use proposed is not acceptable behind [the] flood prevention scheme and c) the proposal is considered by SEPA to be contrary to the SPP and SEPA’s own PIN4 guidance.”
Two neighbours also objected to the proposals, citing over-development and noise issues among other things, but planners knocked back the application solely on the grounds that it was unacceptable to SEPA.
However, architects for the project, Denholm Partnership, have made an application for a review of the decision notice.
Interested parties have been asked to make representations to the Perth and Kinross Local Review Body.
Jimmy Denholm, of Denholm Partnership Architects, explained: “The park had formerly been granted permission on the site for a number of chalets but they held back developing that.
“Because of the flood works we went for a new permission and the council were happy with that, but now SEPA are saying just because there is a wall it doesn’t mean you can develop behind it, so it seems counter productive.
“As part of the proposed flood protection scheme, Comrie Holiday Park has sacrificed a large area of land to help protect the village from flooding and they stand to lose a number of pitches to the scheme.
“They are trying to mitigate this loss by providing some replacement and additional pitches.”
A spokesperson for the holiday park said: “It is ironic that we received permission to develop the land before the flood defences were proposed but have now been refused permission for when the flood defences are in place.”
Mr Denholm added: “PKC can overturn SEPA’s objection but they have opted not to.
“The flood team at PKC and Comrie Holiday Park have worked together from the inception of the flood protection scheme design, and SEPA have approved the flood protection scheme design.
“The park’s owners readily offered a portion of their land to assist with the scheme.
“The park has been under their ownership for over 45 years and they have never known it to flood.
“We believe the park is a great asset to the village as it keeps tourist trade buoyant without increasing traffic.
“It’s barely perceptible, it is quiet, wellmaintained and employs local people so we are appealing the decision.”
The next meeting of Perth and Kinross Local Review Body is due to take place on April 5.