Revised plans lodged for new homes at century-old footpath

Developers have launched a new bid to build houses on a century-old path in Perth.

A proposal for three houses on a strip of land between Needless Road and Cavendish Avenue was abandoned last November following a public outcry.

Locals believe the path to be a right of way, saying it is used by hundreds of people.

But new plans have been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council, and those behind them have reduced the number of houses they want to build on the site to two.

They say the new layout will allow them to maintain the existing path.

In a supporting statement submitted to the council, Murdoch Architects, acting on behalf of Friarton Limited, state: “Pedestrian access between Needless Road and Cavendish Avenue is retained within the site layout through the incorporation of a footpath and shared access arrangements.

“The dwelling houses proposed are respectful to and in sympathy with the surrounding townscape in terms of scale, massing and materials. There will be no loss of privacy or overshadowing of neighbouring dwelling houses.

“The removal of the lock-up garages and the redevelopment of the site will result in a significant improvement to the character and appearance of the area.”

Councillor Willie Wilson, who opposed the previous plans, welcomed the retention of the path. However he said his preference would be to maintain a larger number of parking spaces for all residents.

He said: “The four local councillors have made it very clear that the path must stay.”