A multi-million-pound blueprint for the future of Perth and Kinross is poised for approval, despite hundreds of objections.
The council’s revised Local Development Plan (LDP) sets out a masterplan for the area and shows how swathes of undeveloped land could be used for new housing and businesses.
The weighty document will inform planning matters for generations to come, setting in stone where developments should – and should not – take place.
Next week, councillors will be asked to formally submit the paper to Scottish Ministers for approval, without making any modifications.
It follows an eight-month consultation roadshow which gave communities and organisations the chance to raise any local issues.
Officers leading the project received more than 2,000 representations. While around 400 supported the LDP, the rest were objections, suggestions and neutral comments.
Among the most contentious areas is Blairgowrie, where residents have raised concerns about the impact of planned expansions – including the 400-home Westpark project – on existing infrastructure.
In Kinfauns, the Edrington Group whisky firm has objected to plans for a park and ride scheme, suggesting the council does not have the funds to operate such a service. The land, the company suggests, could be better used for housing.
There have also been complaints about changes to a development site boundary at Scone, which will lead to the loss of more greenbelt land.
In its submission, the Perth Civic Trust praised the document as a “positive guide for planning”, but shared concerns about the impact of a population surge.
Chairman David MacLehose said: “We note the potential release of land for houses which could accommodate a 35% increase in population in the Perth area, and the implications for the road network.
“The implications for air quality must be addressed shortly, as Atholl Street in Perth is already Scotland’s third most polluted road in terms of particulate matter.
“We recommend essential improvements to the cycle and pedestrian routes in the city for the wellbeing of residents.”
Petitions with more than 430 signatures have been submitted, calling for the city’s bus station to be retained.
The plan suggests that the Leonard Street depot could be upgraded, or the site could be re-used for housing, a hotel or office if the bus station is re-located elsewhere.
Councillors will discuss the LDP revisions at a special meeting on Wednesday.
