Property owners told of plans to buy up land forA9 dualling

FULL DETAILS have been unveiled of comp ulsory p urchase order p lans for dualling work on the A9 between Birnam and Luncarty.

Huge swathes of land, including farmland, woodland and p rivate gardens will be bought up to accommodate the roadwidening p rop osals.

Scores of p rop erties along the 10-mile route will be affected by the work.

Notable land buy-outs include more than 40,000 square metres on the banks of Shochie Burn, near Cramflat Farm at Luncarty; 152 square metres of private garden ground, also near Cramflat Farm; almost 100,000 square metres near Northleys Farm at Luncarty and more than 120,000 square metres between Stanley and Bankfoot.

Owners and occupants have received draft orders outlining the requirements of Transport Scotland and now have until May 2 to object.

Local solicitors have urged people to seek advice on where they stand legally.

Merle Boyd of Savills, which is based in Perth, said: “Many local residents who are affected will have finally received information with regard to how the project will affect their own land and property.

“It is important that they think carefully, not only about the areas of land that are being required, but also about the impact of the A9 dualling on their property.”

These proposals are part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to a major and wholesale upgrade of the carriageway, which includes a pledge to dual its entire length by 2025.

Full details of the compulsory purchase orders will be outlined at a series of public meetings next week.

Experts from Transport Scotland and Jacobs will be available to answer questions. The exhibitions take place on Wednesday and Thursday next week at the Bankfoot Community Centre between 11am and 7pm.

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has urged anyone with any concerns to attend the events for further information.

He said: “I have been contacted by several residents concerned as to the path of the dualled A9.

“Hopefully these exhibitions will lend some clarity to the situation and I would

all concerned encourage attend.

“It’s important that communities alongside theA9 are kept informed as to the route of the new dualled road.

“Construction of the route will be complicated and Transport Scotland must ensure that residents are inconvenienced as little as possible.

“Businesses already feel the economic impact of delays and closures due to accidents and therefore it is important that the dualling process is conducted as smoothly as possible.”

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Further information on the A9 Luncarty to Pass of Birnam dualling project is also available online.

It is hoped that the completed programme will provide safer overtaking opportunities and, as a result, road users will experience fewer “vehicle platoons and convoys”.

To find out more about the draft road orders, compulsory purchase orders and associated environmental statement, visit www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/ projects/A9-luncarty-to-pass-of-birnam.

Picture: Kris Miller. There are plans to dual the A9 in its entirety by 2025.