A key part of T in the Park’s all-important traffic management plan has been waved through by officials, just three weeks before gates are due to open.
Festival organisers have pledged that a proposed pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) point at the edge of the Strathallan site will help prevent a repeat of last summer’s traffic chaos.
At council talks in April, objectors claimed that the PUDO would still require planning permission which, they argued, would blow a huge hole in the traffic management strategy because promoters DF Concerts wouldn’t be able to secure consent in time.
Festival chief Geoff Ellis has written to Perth and Kinross Council formally requesting its view on an environmental impact assessment for the proposed facility, in line with national regulations.
There were concerns that any study might not be completed in time for the event, which kicks off on Thursday, July 7.
However, the council’s development quality manager Nick Brian has responded to Mr Ellis, stressing that the pick-up point can go ahead.
He said: “I can inform you that the council holds the view that an environmental statement is not required in this instance.
“The council has taken cognisance of the Scottish Government’s and the European Commission’s screening checklist and determined that the proposed development is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment both individually and cumulatively with the main site by virtue of factors such as its size, nature, location and duration.”
The 86-acre PUDO point is earmarked for land at Farmton Muir, off the A823, just under a mile from the main Strathallan Castle arena.
An alternative shorter walking route through an ancient woodland was considered but ruled out.
Festival veteran Melvin Benn, who was drafted in as executive producer for this year’s event, said the PUDO and a large-scale bus station – a smaller version of the one used at Glastonbury – were the biggest changes made this year to avoid a repeat of 2015’s problems.
He has also overhauled the arena lay-out and increased security.
The Stone Roses, fresh from a string of successful homecoming shows in Manchester, will headline on Friday night.
Other acts topping the bill over the weekend are Calvin Harris and US rockers the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
