Morrison’s Academy has been ordered to halt work on a controversial new all-weather pitch after being caught flouting planning regulations.
Perth and Kinross Council slapped the school with a temporary stop notice last week when they began work on the artificial pitch at Dallerie without permission.
Morrison’s Academy has submitted plans for two all-weather pitches with floodlighting and car parking at Dallerie sports pitches in Crieff.
Objectors had warned that heavy rain floods the area and overloads a nearby sewerage system, with the resulting mess covering sections planned for the new pitches.
A series of conditions were set by the council, including a revamp of the sewer lines said to pollute the sports fields, preparation of a noise management plan, and installation of suitable lighting that did not spill onto neighbouring properties, before the new pitch could be built.
However, last week planning officers were forced to act swiftly to clamp down on the school when workers began developing the site’s car park without all the conditions having been met.
Douglas Gorrie, whose house on Sauchie Road is around 25 metres away from the project, was among 19 objectors who had opposed the original plans.
He said: “Planning in principle has been granted, with certain conditions which basically point to the school being held responsible and being conditioned that they come up with an acceptable solution before being allowed to proceed with the construction of an all-weather pitch on what is basically a flood plain.
“Contamination of the pitches to various degrees has been going on since 1998/99 when Morrison’s Academy blocked off what was basically an overflow/safety valve water course, which was an old mill lade which they did not own.
“Any and all protestations, whether to the politicians, the authorities or the school, go nowhere. What we want to see now is that the conditions that were set out when the planning application was granted are properly adhered too.”
The temporary stop notice is scheduled to be in force until May 4.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson stated: “A temporary stop notice was served on the applicants as there had been a failure to discharge all of the pre-commencement conditions prior to works starting on site. The applicants are cooperating with the council to resolve these matters to enable them to resume work.”
A spokesperson for Morrison’s Academy said: “Morrison’s Academy acknowledges the continuing support of the planning authority for the artificial pitch project at Dallerie. The school continues to co-operate.”