New homes at monastery opposed by ex-Provost

Jan 28 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A FORMER Perth provost yesterday warned that controversial housing proposals could tarnish the town’s image “forever”.

Norman Renfrew, the chairman of Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park Group, has spoken out against the planned build of 19 detached family homes on land bordering St Mary’s Monastery by Cala Homes.

Taking issue with a decision by the monastery’s management to sell six acres of land in order to fund £2.5 million of vital repairs to the interior of the Redemptorist retreat centre, Mr Renfrew claimed the build could lead to a surge in development in the picturesque area.

“It [Kinnoull Hill] is part of the heritage of Perth and if they build on it then it will disappear forever,” he said.

“The proposed area is a beautiful meadow above the monastery.

“I would hope it isn’t approved, based on the fact it would be in breach of the present policy which classes it as an area of great landscape value.

“Three other parties have also said they want to develop in Kinnoull. If this is approved then we will be basically opening the door.”

He dismissed Aberdeen-based Cala’s claims that they have responded to their public consultation meeting by limiting the number of homes to 19 and agreeing to increase the “amount of open space on the site”.

“There is no difference for us, we are still losing a meadow,” Mr Renfrew declared.

“There are other ways of raising money without selling off the land. Have they exhausted every other way? If this is approved, I would have a severe concern for the loss of amenity. We can and will oppose the plans, but the decision will ultimately be in the council’s hands.”

Bridgend Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council chairman Brian Raine added: “The community council is still totally opposed to more housing in our area until the infrastructure and roads are sorted out.

“We are also against any erosion of the green belt.”

Following several grants, the exterior of the B-listed building, which was erected in the 1860s, has recently been upgraded to secure its long-term future.

However, users of the neo-gothic building, described as an “international, multi-cultural, ecumenical place”, have been unable to generate the cash to pay for internal renovations.

Cala Homes plan to start work on the site in 2012 if given a green light.

The firm’s land director Derek Lawson said: “CALA has been working with St Mary’s Trustees to produce a development proposal which we feel respects the sensitive natural and spiritual environment that the monastery enjoys.

“Much care has been taken in its design and landscaping to make our development sympathetic to St Mary’s.”