Massive development planned at Broxden

Oct 21 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PROPOSALS for a multi-million pound development on the outskirts of Perth will be unveiled next week.

The PA has learned that 20 acres of housing and 13 acres of business space have been earmarked for a plot of land to the east of the Broxden Roundabout.

Extending to the border with Cherrybank Gardens on Glasgow Road, the plans also incorporate areas of open space, landscaping and access roads.

Speaking on behalf of applicants, the John Dewar Lamberkin Trust and Needhill LLP, a spokesperson for agents Savills revealed blueprints were still being drawn up but a public meeting organised to discuss the bid will be held next week.

He said: “The proposal is for a mixed-use employment and residential development to the east of the Broxden roundabout and extending across to Cherrybank Gardens.

“The site is predominantly agricultural land and the masterplan is still being worked up.

“As part of the pre-application consultation procedure, a meeting will be held in order to provide and gather information on the proposed application.

“If and when a planning application is submitted, people can then make their representations.”

Perth City South representative Councillor Alexander Stewart said he was pleased to learn that local people would be consulted over the development but expressed concern that town centre businesses could be adversely affected.

He said: "I welcome the fact that there is a consultation.

“It is useful to have because it gauges people’s opinion. There is no question that there is the potential to develop on that side of the town.

“Let’s wait and see what the consultation says. If there is feeling that this is acceptable then it is the way forward, but if not, we have to look at it again.

“I’ve said before that we have to be sensitive in developing businesses on the outskirts of the town because that can affect those in the centre.

“I’ve always been a strong supporter of city centre shopping and I’m still of the same mind.

“But let’s see what the consultation phase brings.”

The erection of 250 houses with 40% ‘employment land’ on the site is included in Perth and Kinross Council’s Main Issues Report, published last year.

The consultation will take place at the Grampian Hotel, York Place on Tuesday between 3pm and 7pm and on Wednesday, from 9am till 12pm.

All comments should be submitted to Savills by November 11.