The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Chairman’s fears over ‘reckless housing rush’
Community council chief speaks out
Councillors have been warned about a “reckless rush” to issue consents for the growing number of proposed housing developments around Perth.
The observation was made by Methven and District Community Council chairman Kenneth Simpson in a letter to the council where he called for local people’s concerns to be reflected in the “final outcome”.
One of the sites he was alluding to will be discussed by councillors on Wednesday when a pre-application report comes before them regarding land to the south east of Auteven, West Huntingtower.
The report is to inform the development management committee that a planning application is in the pipeline for the site and it is an opportunity for councillors to raise issues they would like addressed.
The site could accommodate 550 homes and the application is likely to include a primary school, district heating system and park-and-ride.
“The site extends to some 60 hectares and is located at the western edge of Perth city,” says Nick Brian, interim head of planning, in his report.
“It is bounded by the former Perth Auction Mart site to the east and the A85 trunk road to the north.
“The land is predominately agricultural land used for grazing and there is a former quarry (infilled) located centrally.
“There are a few areas of trees around the former quarry and there is a significant area of woodland planting in the south-east corner of the site.”
As part of the pre-application process a public exhibition was held where people had an opportunity to comment.
It emerged last week that the developer behind this project had lodged a formal objection to proposed houses on the adjoining former auction mart site.
They are claiming the site, which is being recommended for approval for 270 homes, would be better used for retail as it already has consent for a supermarket.