Kinnoull bids to extend boundary

Oct 13 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

The Perth Bridge at Kinnoul

THE Kinnoull area of Perth was one of the first to be granted conservation status more than 20 years ago.

Now, the boundary could be extended after approaches from the Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council.

But first, Perth and Kinross Council are consulting with locals and three public meetings are being held next week to give people a say.

A conservation area was first designated in Kinnoull in 1987, according to a 38-page Draft Kinnoull Conservation Area Appraisal drawn up by the council.

The document adds: “The council is required to review its conservation areas from time to time and update the conservation area appraisal and management proposals on a regular basis.

“The review reflects the fact that a substantial period of time has passed since the original designation and it responds to suggestions put forward by the local community council regarding extensions to the conservation area boundary, as well as requests for the serving of Tree Preservation orders.”

The community council want the boundary to be enlarged to include Commercial Street, a residential development constructed in 1978; Bridgend and Isla Road, which sit on a prominent riverside site; and Barnhill, to connect the current conservation area to Kinnoull Hill.”

The appraisal adds: “Designation as a conservation area does not place a ban upon all new development within its boundaries.

“However, new development will normally only be granted planning permission if it can be demonstrated that it will not harm the character or visual quality of the area.

“New development should also positively enhance the area through good design, rather than just create a neutral effect.”

The appraisal notes that the Kinnoull area wasn’t substantially developed until the Victorian era.

It was first connected to the city of Perth in 1617 by a bridge built by John Mylne, during the reign of James VI.

By 1621, however, the structure had been swept away by severe floods and it was 150 years before a replacement was completed.

The Statistical Account of Scotland of 1791-99 notes that around 30 boats and as many ferrymen operated the crossing.

Not deemed the most salubrious place to live, the Account also points out: “Before the new bridge was built (the Perth Bridge of 1771), Bridgend was a poor, paltry village.”

The appraisal adds: “It was the building of John Smeaton’s Perth Bridge of 1771 that stimulated the expansion of the area into a high status residential suburb.”

Three meetings, along with an exhibition, will take place in Kinnoull parish Church, on the Dundee Road, from 10am-5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20 and 21, and from 10am-7pm on Thursday, October 22.

Members of the council’s Conservation and Regeneration Team will be available each day to answer questions and collect any comments.

The appraisal document can be viewed on line at www.pkc.gov.uk/kinnoullconservationarea