A housing development that could see 300 new homes built in Kinross is facing mounting opposition.
Persimmon Homes has lodged its proposal for Lathro Park but the plans have sparked a strong reaction, with many neighbours objecting.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) contacted Perth and Kinross Council to express its objection to the proposal, mainly because of the risk of flooding.
Kinross Community Council also opposes the scheme, saying the number of houses proposed is “too dense” for the site.
In a letter sent to Nick Brian, Perth and Kinross Council’s development quality manager, the community council says: “The council’s local development plan records a figure of 260 and reference was made to 140 houses up to 2024. We understand that medium density has been recommended for this site, but, in our estimation, we believe the proposed development of 300 houses for a size of this size to be too high.”
Kinross resident Bob Ballard says the amount of wildlife he has seen in the area is another reason for refusal of the plan.
“I look across the proposed site every day – it’s a great view which stretches right across to the Ochil Hills,” he said.
“There’s plenty of wildlife – hares in particular, foxes, the occasional dear and come the autumn and spring there can be more perhaps 500 pinkfoot geese grazing the fields which are part of the site.
“Of course everyone has their point of view. Persimmon Homes are a business and the landowner wishes to sell the land.
“Across Perth and Kinross they are ripping up the land all over the place. Much of the time the locals don’t want the developments but know that most of the time they are outflanked by the big guns of local politics and big business, who have their own agendas.”
He added: “I have formally written to Perth and Kinross Council outlining my views. I have also submitted photographs of flooding adjacent to the Lathro Farm site, which occurred last winter, to SEPA.
“What is the real cost is to one of the most scenic areas in Scotland?”
No one from Persimmon Homes was available to respond to the comments.
