Dim View Taken on Two Local Housing Schemes
The site of the former Bunrannoch Hotel, which was demolished by fire in 2003, is the subject of a planning application for 40 flats to be built in four separate blocks. Despite the commitment by developers Perthshire Housing Association and Langvale Homesto to creating 10 affordable houses, Ian Sleith, head of P&K Council’s development standards, is recommending refusal of the application.
“It is clear that the number of houses proposed are considered wholly inappropriate by the local community given the strength of the adverse reaction generated by the plans,” he said. “I concur with the concerns that the scheme is excessive in terms of impact and over-development on the village.” |
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He continued “Additionally, I am of the opinion that the layout is poor and does not pay due regard to the traditional vernacular building pattern. No attempt has been made to integrate the development into the neighbourhood or to provide a community-wide positive benefit from the scheme such as a riverside path network.
“Whilst I would not readily oppose any form of affordable housing, it is felt that the needs is far greater in the towns of Aberfeldy and Pitlochry and resources should accordingly by directed there.”
Mr Sleith said that the application was “long standing” and was held for some time in an effort to resolve technical issues on services and the effect upon the River Tummel.
More than 90 letters of objection were received to a plan which is contrary to the area’s structure plans and has, Mr Sleith said, “insufficient provision with regard to parking and traffic safety”.
Aberfeldy
A separate application has been lodged to build 24 houses at Duntaylor Avenue, Aberfeldy. The site has been zoned for housing 40 properties, with 27 already having been completed and occupied.
But the council is again recommending refusal, one reason being that the proposal would “substantially” increase house numbers from 40 to 51.
Both plans will be discussed by councillors on 22 November.
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