Housing could go ahead despite over-development claims

Contentious plans to expand a Kinross-shire village could be approved by councillors tomorrow, despite a backlash from locals.

The Pace Hill development is earmarked for eight-and-a-half acres of land north of Linden Park Road on the edge of Milnathort.

The developers, Livingston-based Dundas Estates, say the 77 new homes are needed to meet local market demand.

However, planners have received 66 objections from residents, as well as community councils.

Among the critics is the Kinross-shire Civic Trust, which has pointed out the land is zoned for just 50 houses in Perth and Kinross Council’s local development plan (LDP).

In its letter, the Milnathort watchdog group raises concerns about creating an “undesirable precedent” by allowing a 54% increase in homes, compared to the LDP.

A spokesman added: “The development as proposed would see an increase of up to 210 additional cars, the vast majority of which will require to travel south on North Street and through Wester Loan.”

He adds traffic congestion would be “horrendous” during construction.

In a design statement, a spokesman for Dundas Estates says: “Dundas is of the view that the proposed application at Pace Hill accords with local planning policy for the provision of a variety of house sizes and that consequently the proposal does not represent ‘overdevelopment’ of the land.”

Interim development quality manager Anne Clondiffe has urged councillors to approve the plan, which she estimates will pump more than £1 million into the economy each year.