Developers shelve planned housing to examine its impact

Plans to be discussed at the development planning committee were pulled at the 11th hour

A major housing plan for Rattray has been put on hold amid claims it could harm tourism.

The 217-property development to the north of the town was due to go before members of the council’s development management committee.

Despite claims the new estate could increase traffic and exacerbate parking issues, the proposal was formally backed by planning officers – however, it was pulled from the agenda at the 11th hour.

Developers said they wanted more time to discuss issues raised by Councillor Caroline Shiers.

She said: “I am pleased that there are to be further discussions regarding this proposal.

“I remain very concerned about elements of the application, including density, access via Hatton Road and the already busy junction with poor lines of sight and proximity to the school, the potential impact on the holiday park and the parking on site.”

She added: “I have also raised issues regarding flooding in the area and will be seeking assurances that all of these issues can be addressed.”

Ms Shiers added: “There is a trend developing where applicants are coming forward with applications for far more houses on sites than were identified in the local development plan. I am in discussions with planning officers regarding these applications and the potential there is to address infrastructure constraints in the town.”

A spokesman for Springfield Properties confirmed the plan had been temporarily shelved, but that is was likely to return to committee in the coming months.

“We needed a little more time to work with the council and consider the questions raised by Councillor Shiers,” he said.

Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council objected to the plan, claiming an increase in traffic could cause congestion around Rattray Primary.

There were only three other objections, including one from Wood Leisure, which operates the nearby Blairgowrie Holiday Park.

Company partner Kirsty Wood Thomson said: “The closeness of the development could well adversely affect the desirability of this holiday accommodation, where our visitors enjoy a peaceful, rural ambience.”

She added: “This significant influx of tourists is contributing to and supporting our local economy and with just under 10,000 people living in Blairgowrie, these visitors make a substantial contribution to the town’s economy.”

We needed a little more time to work with the council and consider the questions raised by Councillor Shiers. SPRINGFIELD PROPERTIES

An artist’s impression of the proposed development that has been temporarily shelved.