A quarry on the outskirts of Perth could be used for housing to cope with the region’s soaring population, it has emerged.
Ambitious proposals to convert the 50-acre Friarton Quarry look likely to be formally adopted by councillors next week.
The project, which would include a mixture of housing and recreation – including, possibly, a dry-ski slope – is part of a wide-ranging blueprint for the future of Perth and Kinross.
The official Local Development Plan, which aims to set in stone where new development should — and should not — take place, is being updated since its launch five years ago. It will go before councillors for approval on Wednesday.
The masterplan states that 12,000 new houses need to be built in the next nine years to meet a forecast population boom. Many of these properties are already in place or have received planning consent.
To meet this level of demand, construction crews will need to build around 540 houses every year.
However, the papers reveal there is already an oversupply of planned housing in the Perth area, with work progressing on 4,500 homes at Bertha Park and Almond Valley.
A report to councillors states: “Whilst there are sufficient numbers in the Perth housing market area, the proposed plan brings forward a range of sites which will offer further flexibility and choice.”
According to the 2017 plan, Larfarge Tarmac which operates the quarry off Gleneagles Road is in talks with planners about re-zoning the site.
Only a third of the quarry area could be developed for housing and it is estimated up to 175 properties could be built.
A Perth Quarry masterplan would be drawn up to to assess how best to use the rest of the site. A dry-ski slope, climbing walls and mountain biking tracks have all been suggested.
A local authority spokesman said: “A masterplan setting out the phasing and the comprehensive development of the whole of this site is required at the time of any planning application.
“This masterplan should be informed by a feasibility study and business case for any leisure proposal(s) to clarify their viability and employment levels and show the cross subsidy from the residential development.”
A B-listed gunpowder magazine hut in the south-west corner of the site will be protected.
Council leader Ian Campbell said the LDP, if approved, would set out policies and proposals to guide developments to 2028 and beyond.
“The plan identifies a vision for the future development of Perth and Kinross which seeks to promote sustainable economic growth and sustainable development by building upon the special qualities of our area that make it an attractive place to live and do business, whilst at the same time recognising the importance of ‘place-making’ and protecting our most valuable assets.”
He said: “The challenge of achieving our vision is not under-estimated. Its realisation will require the ongoing commitment of all parts of the public, private and voluntary sectors with an interest in the people and the environment of Perth and Kinross.”
Population projection
The population of Perth and Kinross is expected to be around 183,468 by 2037.
That’s an increase of nearly 25 per cent, while the population of Scotland is projected to rise by about 8.8% in the same time.
Over the 25 year period, the age group which is forecast to increase the most in size is the 75-plus group.
The area’s under 16 population is like to rise by 26% over the next quarter-century, according to the National Records of Scotland.
