Flats plan for Birnam

Nov 15 2011 Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A TOILET block, petrol station and car showroom, and a cottage are to make way for revived plans for a residential and commercial development in Birnam.

Councillors on the development control committee due to meet tomorrow are to hear the proposals for the 20 flats and the small unit on Perth Road are acceptable to the planning authority.

The application revisits a bid for the 1/3 hectare site, which was made and then withdrawn last year. In 2007 a similar application was turned down by the council.

Under the proposals, Dove Cottage, a property on the land, as well as the car showroom and public convenience block are to be knocked down.

In their place, the 20 flats, five of which will be affordable to meet high demand, will be built alongside the small unit. The plans also have 30 parking spaces for residents. A number of nearby trees will also be cleared.

The plans have sparked concerns about loss of light and visual impact but these were said to be in line with what should be expected of a development of that size when compared with what currently exists.

The application has been marked for approval by Nick Brian, Development Quality Manager, who has also conditioned that a yew tree on the site is preserved.