The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Warning of need for services at Almond Valley
HOMES: Residents of new housing will require GP and dentist
Residents who will live beside a sprawling new housing development on the edge of Perth have warned it needs more infrastructure to support the community.
Plans for the initial stage of the Almond Valley housing estate have finally been formally submitted following a 20-year planning battle.
The 1,300-home proposal was vociferously opposed by the local community council but the Scottish Government said it should be allowed.
Kenny Simpson, chairman of the Methven and District Community Council, gave the first phase of 340 houses a cautious welcome but warned: “We need to make sure there’s infrastructure to go with it, along with doctors, dentists and more services at Perth Royal Infirmary.”
The first housing will come with three shops and sports pitches and a pavilion will follow.
Savills planning director Alastair Wood, speaking on behalf of the development team, said: “There has been continual engagement with the community council in order to deliver the best possible neighbourhood in Almond Valley.
“The community now has an opportunity to comment on the plans submitted.”
Developers have tabled detailed plans for the first phase of a controversial Perth housing scheme.
After a rollercoaster planning battle that has lasted more than 20 years, the Pilkington Trust has finally unveiled its proposal for the long-awaited Almond Valley project.
A masterplan for the sprawling 1,300-home estate, earmarked for land between Huntingtower and Ruthvenfield, was rejected three times by Perth and Kinross Council but was allowed after a successful appeal to the Scottish Government.
Planning chiefs have received comprehensive proposals for the first stage of the development, featuring 340 two-, three- and four-bedroom properties and three shops.
Sports pitches, leisure features and a changing pavilion are also earmarked for the 130-acre site.
A separate planning application has been submitted, covering the road through the site and a new community woodland.
The plans were submitted by a consortium made up of the Pilkington Trust and construction firm Stewart Milne.
Residents will now get the chance to comment on the plans before they are brought before councillors for a final decision.
Savills planning director Alastair Wood, speaking on behalf of the development team, said: “The consortium is intent on providing an attractive neighbourhood where people will choose to live and which takes account of the local landscape.”
He said: “There has been a real focus on open space and tree planting, with a significant net increase in the amount of trees in the form of a new community woodland, and additional planting spread throughout the development.
“A green swathe, which will act as a buffer between the housing and the river – with the creation of new foot and cycle paths – is integral to the site.”
Mr Wood added: “There has been continual engagement with the community council in order to deliver the best possible neighbourhood in Almond Valley.
“The community now has an opportunity to comment on the plans submitted.”
Of the 284 houses and 56 flats proposed, 85 are designed for affordable housing.
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The community now has an opportunity to comment on the plans submitted. ALASTAIR WOOD