Carse of Gowrie Conservation group formed

Dec 11 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A BRAES of the Carse Conservation Group (BCCG) has been formed to conserve the unique beauty, character and historical environment of the landscape.

The BCCG plans to engage in initiatives that enhance the local environment.

It was formed in response to widespread concern over future development patterns in the many small hamlets and villages within a special part of rural Perthshire.

The group aims to protect the heritage, environment and communities by sharing information on proposed developments and conservation matters.

They now plans to comment formally to Perth and Kinross Council on long-term structure plans for the areas and on major or controversial developments.

Membership of the BCCG is open to anyone who lives and/or works within the Braes of the Carse and the management committee at present comprises 13 members.

To ensure a wide representation of views, the group includes representatives from each of the six main hamlet groupings – Pitroddie and Kilspindie, Rait, Kinnaird and Westown, Ballindean and Craigdallie, Abernyte and Baledgarno and Knapp.

"As the group formed only recently we were unable to provide our comments to Perth and Kinross Council regarding the Local Development Plan during the pre-main issues report consultation period," commented Eddie Anderson, chairman of the group.

"We do feel, however, that it is vitally important to have the views of our community heard in the Local Development Plan process.

“To this end we will be writing in more detail to the Local Development Plan team so our comments can be taken into account during the preparation of the main issues report – and after it has been produced.

“Our wish is to protect the unique nature and character of the Braes communities.

“We are certainly not against appropriate development."

The management committee is now actively communicating its message to people living/working in the area.

A member of the management committee, Nick Guest, is now sitting on Inchture Community Council with responsibility for rural planning matters.