By Alan Richardson

THE FUTURE expansion of Perth College received a set-back yesterday as councillors turned down a housing proposal that would have brought in millions of pounds.

The long-running saga ended in disappointment for the college and developer—Gladedale— which would have bought the land at the western edge of the Crieff Road campus for a “substantial” sum of money.

They planned to build 122 homes on the 9.2 acre site, but their ambitions foundered on a four-storey block of flats— likened by objectors to an annexe of Perth prison and a “barracks”—fronting Crieff Road and overshadowing smaller houses.

The plan had been recommended for approval by council planning officials on three separate occasions, and rejected each time.

After exhausting all possibilities of tweaking the plans further, Councillor Callum Gillies moved for rejection—which was supported by seven votes to four—saying, “The height and density of the flats are not in keeping with the surrounding area and we should be going back to look at this again, in particular with the thoughts of those living there in mind.”

Addressing yesterday’s meeting, Gladedale’s Neil Davidson said issues that had previously arisen—such as extra traffic levels on the already congested roads, housing density on the site, drainage and the erection of adequate fencing on the boundaries had all been addressed.

Perth College Principal Mandy Exley said the cash generated by the sale of the unneeded land would be used to fund future projects and to bring the college building up to modern standards.

She said money could be ploughed into developments such as The Calyx and new leisure facilities for joint college and community use.

She added that—even if the college were to sell the land—it would still have enough capacity for massive future expansion if needed, envisaging an effect on Perth similar to that of Dundee University on its environs.

However, the proposals have been fought all the way by residents who—while not objecting to the principle of housing—said the scheme on the table was totally out of keeping with what is actually needed.

Of particular concern was the three and four-storey block of 58 flats, which ultimately proved the plan’s undoing.

Protesters called it a “barrack block,” and likened it to “the new annexe of Perth Prison, which will cut out the sunlight to the bungalows opposite, causing distress to the pensioners within.

Local councillor John Flynn said he supported the college, but “regrettably” not in this case.

He said, “My objection is not to the housing being there, but the type of housing.”

He added, “It’s totally out of character—these three and four-storey monstrosities.

“In North Muirton we are getting rid of flatted accommodation and providing family homes—and that is what we want here.

“We should be encouraging developers to come forward with inventive plans to support us in this quest.”

Gladedale had also proposed a mixture of detached and terraced town houses to be accessed from Appin Terrace.

Mr Davidson said after the meeting, “We are extremely disappointed that our plans have been refused by the committee— particularly after the strenuous efforts we have gone to address all the issues linked to the proposals, and the fact the plans were recommended for approval by planning officials.

“We will now take time to consider our options.”

A spokesman for Perth College said, “We are disappointed and will continue to look at options.”