A council chief is recommending the approval of a housing plan that would see more than 100 homes built near a well-known Strathearn landmark.
The local authority’s interim head of planning claims the proposal for the development at Wester Tomaknock, Crieff, which have been lodged by GS Brown Construction Ltd, will lead to the creation of additional residential dwellings to “meet forecast” population growth and housing needs.
A design statement, submitted by GS Brown Ltd along with their plan, suggests the development will provide a “structured extension” to Crieff and should “enhance” the town with a “heritage” of fine buildings and gardens.
It also says the new development would have a “castle-style” structure built as a “dominant” central feature.
“With rising land prices, developers have increasingly built narrow-fronted family homes to obtain the best return on their investment,” the statement states.
“However, the current demand to serve falling occupancy rates and Crieff’s ageing population is for smaller houses, bungalows and flats.
“With the removal of a farmhouse and outbuildings at Wester Tomaknock there is an opportunity for a bold approach, taking a cue from Crieff Hydro, to construct a castle-style structure in their place which would act as a dominant central feature.”
The 102 homes will consist of range of properties including bungalows, semi-detached, split level and story flats using the well-known local landmark, the Knock, as a central feature. GS Brown Ltd has said the development will incorporate 25% affordable housing and will have a play area.
Nick Brian, interim head of planning with Perth and Kinross Council, acknowledges that there had initially been a lack of detailed of information on surface water drainage and a lack of protected species survey.
“The applicants were requested and encouraged to address the various oversights and review the design and architecture of the affected plots within the central section of the site,” he said in his report, which will be discussed by Perth and Kinross Council’s development management committee on Wednesday.
But he highlights his reasons for recommending approval of the scheme.
“During the construction period, jobs will be created and sustained, supporting indirect employment and revenue that this volume of construction will generate from employees spending on local goods and services,” he added.
“Additional residents to the area will also support existing local employment and services in that area.
“Overall, the proposed development is considered competent and compliant with the key principles of the local development plan and is recommended for approval, subject to conditional control and an associated legal agreement.”
Mr Brian had noted there were two representations received regarding the plan, which included concerns about the “density” and “scale” of housing in the proposal, but stressed no objections have been lodged.
The planning chief alludes that the east part of the planned site will need to be pumped for sewage and that an overhead electricity line will require to be re-routed and put underground.
