Perth is facing another property boom with fresh plans lodged for hundreds of homes at an “eyesore” site on the edge of the city.
A housing masterplan has been tabled for nearly 30 acres of land at the old Perth Mart site, off Crieff road.
The rubbish-strewn site was once earmarked for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket, but the bid collapsed after a legal spat with rival Tesco.
Now the group behind the development, Glasgow-based consortium Perth City West LLP – which is in administration – has revealed proposals to build up to 270 homes on the site.
It comes as another firm, Springfield Properties, prepares to start work on its £1 billion development at Bertha Park.
The Pilkington Trust is meanwhile fighting to rescue its plans for a 1,300 house development at Almond Valley.
And Persimmons Homes are also working on proposals for around 100 properties on a site next to McDiarmid Stadium.
In the design statement lodged with Perth and Kinross Council, EMA Architects said the old Perth Mart plot, which was recently targeted by illegal fly-tippers, is ideal for housing.
A spokesman said: “The site has the potential to accommodate a range of much need family homes in a desirable and pleasant location.”
The designs feature a range of one to five bedroom homes with “generous” front and back gardens.
The spokesman for EMA added: “There will be a range of house-types from one to five-bed family homes. Generous front and back gardens will be provided.
“The outcome will be a new green neighbourhood with generous open space and quality boundary treatments which will create a pleasant place to live and play.”
He said: “The land at Crieff Road will deliver a new development which builds upon the character and local identity of the surrounding area.
“The site is currently rundown and has become an eyesore. This proposal provides an opportunity to bring the site back into use for the benefit of the surrounding area.”
Architects said the site represents “an excellent opportunity to provide necessary family and affordable housing within an area suitable for development”. The spokesman added: “The new neighbourhood will create a characterful and desirable area for both new residents and existing neighbours.”
The old mart was closed in 2009 when owners United Auctions moved its operation to Stirling.
Sainsbury’s had originally staked a claim in the development and said its shop would create more than 400 jobs.
But the chain pulled the plug on the project after a court case with Tesco.
Tesco successfully appealed against Perth and Kinross Council’s decision to allow Sainsbury’s to begin work on the former Crieff Road mart before an upgrade of the A9/A85 junction.
Agents for Perth City West are urging council officers to support the scheme. The proposal is likely to be brought before members of the development management committee in the coming months.
