A substantial housing development has been given the go-ahead by Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development management committee.
Councillors met remotely on Wednesday (April 29) to approve plans for a major housing development by Ogilvie.
The committee unanimously approved the 246 homes south west of Crieff.
It was the first council committee to meet since lockdown began, and was conducted by officers and councillors at home via Microsoft Teams.
The site comprises of 182 two to five-bedroomed open market homes interspersed with 64 two to three-bedroomed affordable homes.
The approved development, just south of the B8062 Broich Road and across from the new Aldi, will form the first of four phases and will include the creation of a play area and a SUDS pond.
Residents living in fear at Perth flats where emergency services are regular visitors
The first phase will be in the western quadrant of the site before moving anti-clockwise.
Vice-convener Cllr Bob Brawn welcomed the move to evenly distribute affordable housing across the four blocks, saying it prevented a “them and us” scenario. He also hailed the provision of electric vehicle charging points and suggested they be located close to flats.
He expressed concern about increased traffic as a result of the Aldi store, which was also raised by councillors Gray and Laing. A council officer said the possibility of creating more than one pedestrian crossing had been left open.
Convener Roz McCall moved the application for approval and she said: “I know this site has been discussed at great length in the local community.
“The local Aldi has revitalised the area and the schools have been a fantastic improvement to the region at the bottom of Crieff.”
Cllr Ian James seconded the motion and councillors agreed to Cllr Wilson’s request to strengthen the wording around the site’s landscaping to ensure it is maintained to the satisfaction of PKC.
After the meeting, Cllr McCall said the homes would help revitalise the town.
She said: “I felt Crieff was left to stagnate before this investment took place.
“I feel there has been a lot done in terms of improvements to the area including road safety on Broich Road with the movement of part of the pavement, a 20mph speed limit introduced and vehicle activated signs, the road being resurfaced and the pedestrian crossings fitted at the same time as the Broich Road junction remodel all increases road safety, enhances the visual aspect and helps to reduce the local concerns regarding this road .”
“The new housing development will continue to enhance this area of Crieff and continue a much-needed investment into the area.”
