Students will get new £3.5m halls

Jun 19 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A £3.5 MILLION building project at Perth College was given the green light yesterday despite determined opposition from residents.

The proposed erection of three student residences had been dogged by controversy since first being unveiled three years ago.

But councillors finally agreed to approve the scheme after hearing steps had been taken to reduce the visual impact of the two and three-storey blocks.

Perth College’s director of resources Duncan White said the Crieff Road institution had invested “considerable time” in its strategy to refurbish and replace its “ageing” accommodation.

“Students expect a high quality of teaching and facilities,” he said.

“Those institutions that cannot step up to the standard will fail the needs of their students and their communities and will struggle to attract students going forward, becoming unviable.”

Mr White described the 54-bedroom project as “a strong signal of Perth College’s need to invest in facilities that students enjoy elsewhere in Scotland”.

However, local objector Eleanor Feltham, who works as an accommodation officer at St Andrews University, said she was concerned about students’ potential welfare under the plan.

“Disabled students will be disadvantaged by this development,” she insisted.

“The design has not considered access provision from the flats to the Brahan building for wheelchair users. Also, there is no provision for a site warden, which should be a priority for student halls.’’

Another resident adjacent to the 0.5-hectare sloping site claimed the flats would add to traffic congestion on Crieff Road.

“My house sits within the college grounds at the main entrance but I did not receive a neighbour notification letter,” she insisted.

“I also have to listen to foul language and other abuses of dignity, plus cars racing down the driveway with their horns honking.’’

Local councillor Callum Gillies called for the college’s application to be refused, insisting the blocks would tower over neighbouring properties.

But Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee convener Ken Lyall said the college had move to allay concerns by reducing the height of the three blocks and starting a car-share scheme.

Eight members voted in favour of the bid, with just Mr Gillies and his colleague Alan Jack in opposition.