Councillors have approved a plan to extend a rail yard in Perthshire, despite objections from locals.
Bosses at Highland Spring were seeking permission to improve their facilities in Blackford, to reduce the number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in operation.
The agreement, reached at Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development management committee meeting on Wednesday, means a freight train the size of 22 HGVs could soon be in operation at the site as early as 6.30am.
Three objections to the proposals were made by neighbours during a public consultation event held by Highland Spring.
Locals voiced some concern the train could bring added noise pollution to the area.
Les Montogomery, chief executive of Highland Spring, said noise monitoring equipment will be installed to make sure current limits are not breached.
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“We have removed two HGVs so far and the trains are now the size of 22 HGVs,” he said.
“The rail freight facility will enable us to transport goods in an environmentally sustainable way, reduce our carbon footprint and remove approximately 40% of the current HGV movements around the village.
“We were encouraged that only three objections were received in relation to this application.
“We have sensitively designed the facility to minimise noise and visual impacts on the community.
“The installation of noise monitoring equipment will ensure noise limits are adhered to when the facility is in operation.”
The plans will see an afternoon train move into the facility at 3.55pm and leave at 6.45pm.
If needed, a morning train will also be in operation, arriving at 6.30am and leaving at 11.30am.
An official from Highland Spring confirmed during the committee meeting the large train engines would be turned off three minutes after their arrival.
Jamie Scott, team leader for major applications at Perth and Kinross Council, also confirmed five-metre and three-metre high acoustic fences will be constructed around the site to reduce noise pollution for locals.
Despite approving the plans, Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Wilson called the application “complicated and complex, with a lot of issues and a degree of controversy”.
