A controversial housing development in Milnathort is set to be refused following a backlash by the local community.
Perth and Kinross Council’s planning officers have recommended rejecting the proposal for the major project at Pitdownies after campaigners raised concerns about the impact it would have on the town’s road network and GP surgery.
Protesters took to the street and more than 160 objections were filed against the plans by Springfield Properties which would see 59 houses and eight flats built on land in the heart of the small town.
Last week campaigners stepped up their fight against the development as they launched an action group that will address Perth and Kinross councillors when the proposal goes before committee next Wednesday, February 12.
The community council and protesters have long voiced concerns about road access to the proposed development which would be coupled with another 80-house development already under construction at Pace Hill, less than half-a-mile away.
The primary concern among residents is access to the new Pitdownies development via a residential street off Wester Loan which is already a notorious bottleneck.
Craig Williams, chairman of Milnathort Community Council, welcomed the recommendation but insisted campaigners would still be taking their fight to council next week.
Mr Williams said: “We’re pleased to see this is being recommended for refusal and that common sense appears to have prevailed however we’re not getting complacent and we will still be making a presentation to council next Wednesday.”
Recommending refusal of the application, the council’s head of planning and development David Littlejohn, believed that the number of properties proposed by Springfield was overdevelopment of the site and did not meet the criteria of the local development plan.
His report also highlighted concerns put forward by both NHS Tayside and Tayside Health Care and Social Partnership (HCSP) regarding the long-term sustainability of services in the area.
Mr Littlejohn said: “With an increase of population and service demand over the next
few years, accounting for the cumulative impact of other residential development within the catchment, further patient numbers could present difficulties on what is already a busy GP practice in Milnathort.”
