A controversial proposal to demolish a former gospel hall to make way for four blocks of flats have been recommended for approval.
The application to flatten Goodlyburn Gospel Hall in Perth has been met with 28 objections from neighbours who say the 39 flats proposed is too many for the site and will lead to traffic chaos.
Despite the concerns, Perth and Kinross Council officers have recommended the development by GS Brown Construction be approved when it goes before councillors next week.
It is proposed a mix of one and two-bedroomed flats will be built in three-storey blocks off Goodlyburn Terrace, to be let out by Hillcrest Housing Association.
The development will also include 44 parking spaces, including three disabled bays.
One objector, Abigail Workmaster, said: “The development of 39 flats in the small area seems excessive, the land area is not big enough.
“Due to the height and density of the planned buildings, myself and many others will experience a loss of natural daylight and complete loss of privacy. The proposed plans would be directly looking into the windows of my two bedrooms and living room.
“The already busy roads would become increasingly busier and congested, which is not only a concern for air pollution, but also for access to the nearby hospital. As well as moving vehicles, there is also concern over inadequate parking.
“The development will have a negative effect on conservation in an area where there is already little green space.”
Most of the objections were for similar reasons, but others also raised concerns about the additional use of the area’s drainage system.
Despite the fears, a report by Anne Condliffe, interim quality development manager, has recommended permission be approved by the planning and development management committee when it meets on Tuesday.
It said: “This area of Perth is characterised by a number of differing design styles and scales and includes terraced houses of two storeys, single storey detached dwellings and three storey flats to the south.
“I consider the overall character of the area to be relatively mixed and as such there is scope for a set of three storey blocks to be acceptable on this site.
“The site is well contained and surrounded by the existing development which will limit the visual impact of the development from the public realm.
“Whilst the scale of the buildings will be more noticeable from the existing properties which surround the site, this is considered acceptable.
“Overall the scale and design of the proposed flats is considered to be appropriate given the well contained nature of the site and screening provided by existing 12 buildings and landscaping.”
