Objections lodged over Perth supermarket proposal

Dec 8 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A DETAILED, seven-page letter of objection has been submitted to the council, opposing the Scone supermarket proposals.

Mr Douglas Pratt, of Spoutwells Drive, is disputing several of the key points made by the agents on behalf of applicants, A&J Stephen.

And the letter has the full support of the Scone Organisation for the Protection of the Environment, who have been spearheading opposition to the contentious store plans.

Mr Pratt argues that the development will impact on existing traffic flows and will generate additional traffic, causing further congestion in Scone village and in the Bridgend area.

“Traffic congestion on the east side of the River Tay is at present a major problem,” he states.

“The supermarket proposals will generate additional traffic and this, together with natural, annual increases in traffic flows, will result in congestion and additional disruption when travelling to and from Perth.

“Planning permission should not be granted for significant travel-generating uses in locations which would encourage reliance on the private car; does not reduce the need to travel; and does not promote road safety.

“Additional traffic on Perth Road in Scone will exacerbate the already existing problems in access and exit from side roads in the village.”

Mr Pratt also claims there are “many inconsistencies” in the traffic flow analysis which accompanies the planning bid and that the analysis conclusions are “fundamentally flawed.”

Mr Pratt also argues that the development will have a “severe impact” on village shops in Scone.

“The development, in order to obtain turn-over, will only achieve this , as with Perth centre stores, at the expense of the existing village convenience stores.”

The latter also highlights a number of environmental issues which require to be considered, including noise pollution and disturbance due to opening hours, pollution, smells and contamination and the impact on air quality standards in the village.

He concludes in his letter: “I believe these objections are relevant to this planning application and constitute material planning considerations.

“Therefore, due to my valid objections, I urge you to reject this inappropriate planning application.”