A long-awaited public inquiry into Perth’s highly controversial crematorium road plan finished in record time after main objector St Johnstone FC pulled out at the 11th hour.
Scottish ministers agreed to carry out a formal probe into Perth and Kinross Council’s A9/A85 relief road project after complaints about the local authority’s planned use of compulsory purchase powers.
An objection from St Johnstone, claiming the new road would result in the loss of a crucial training pitch, was seen as the biggest obstacle standing in the scheme’s way.
However, the club told the Scottish Government it was withdrawing its objection and pulling out of the inquiry on Friday afternoon.
The inquiry heard yesterday that the council had reached an agreement with Saints which effectively removed the training pitch plot from the road plan.
Another objector, the Pilkington Trust, also dropped out of proceedings after council officers agreed to include a five-arm roundabout.
Reporter Michael Cunliffe closed the public inquiry after just 22 minutes.
“I think this is a record,” he said. “I’d like to congratulate the council officers who have been working hard on this.”
Perth couple David and Alice Whittet, who are not directly affected by the landgrab order, are the only objectors not to have dropped their opposition.
Alex Cook, chairman of the Luncarty, Redgorton and Moneydie Community Council, said the outcome was “deeply disappointing”.
Mr Cook, who had campaigned against the road, said: “This inquiry had raised a lot of people’s hopes and expectations and these have now been dashed.”
Mr Cook said he was willing to back anyone directly affected by the project who was willing to take their case to the human rights court.
Councillor Alexander Stewart, who attended yesterday’s hearing in Perth, said: “The public inquiry was seen as a real opportunity for opponents to make their case to the Scottish Government, but it would now appear that this has become an anti-climax and a waste of time and money because it only lasted a few minutes. Not what was envisaged by many opponents. It appears this last opportunity has been lost, leaving many people distressed and disappointed.”
Thousands objected to the plan, claiming it would cause distress to families using the crematorium, but council chiefs said the road was needed to unlock development land in Bertha Park and Inveralmond, creating thousands of homes and jobs.
A council spokeswoman said the authority was “delighted” to reach a deal with St Johnstone. “The council looks forward to progressing this important scheme for the benefit of the city of Perth,” she said.