Inquiry to determine new housing’s impact on congestion issues

‘Serious dispute’ concerning traffic matters

A Scottish Government inquiry will determine the impact of new housing on congestion on the edge of Perth.

The inquest is expected to explore how the Cross Tay Link Road will affect traffic in expanding communities.

The infrastructure project is intended to dramatically reduce congestion at settlements on the outskirts of Perth.

But community watchdogs believe any benefits will be wiped out by the creation of hundreds of new homes.

Scottish ministers set a date for a public inquiry to decide contentious plans for new housing at the old Murray Royal Hospital site.

Reporter Dan Jackman, who will lead the hearing, confirmed it will look at wider traffic issues including how the local roads network will be affected by the £114m River Tay crossing.

There are concerns separate plans for 700 homes at Scone North and more than 50 properties at the site of the village’s Wheel Inn will exacerbate congestion and pollution at Bridgend.

Rivertree Residential wants to build 128 homes at the site of the former psychiatric hospital site at Muirhall Road. But the company complained to Scottish ministers last year, when Perth and Kinross Council failed to make a decision on planning consent.

The firm’s appeal effectively takes control out of the hands of the council.

The week-long inquiry, to be heard in June, will look at significant concerns about a traffic-assessment submitted by Rivertree which suggests rush-hour queues could actually become shorter thanks to the new homes.

The report has been questioned by council officers and rubbished by residents.

Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council vice-chairman David Beattie said: “We are all for the preservation of the old Murray Royal building, but our concern is with the impact on traffic, congestion and air quality.”

Representing Rivertree Residential at the pre-inquiry meeting talks, James Findlay QC said there was a “serious dispute” over traffic matters.

The public inquiry is set to begin on Monday June 24.

Our concern is with the impact on traffic, congestion and air quality. DAVID BEATTIE