Kinnoull Hill housing plans set to be dismissed

Apr 8 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

CONTROVERSIAL proposals for houses on Perth’s Kinnoull Hill are set to be rejected next week by councillors.

Edinburgh-based applicants Edinmore have earmarked four luxury detached houses for the sloping 5.72-hectare site between Fernhill Road and Bellwood Park.

There are two fields at the site and the intention is to develop the lower field whilst retaining the upper field as ‘managed open space’.

The application also suggests the homes would offer six bedrooms, with access provided from Fernhill, to the area’s north-east, which is currently used as agricultural land.

However, a report, which will be seen by members of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee on Wednesday, advises the application be refused as it is considered to be contrary to the local development plan.

Highlighting that a previous application for the lower field was dismissed last June due to policy reasons, the report by PKC’s development quality manager Nick Brian reveals 43 letters of representation have been received – all objecting to the proposals.

Complaints include: the effect on the area, which is regarded to have great landscape value; the build is contrary to the local plan; unsuitable access; and it could have an adverse effect on wildlife, habitats and trees.

Concerns have also been raised over the local primary school’s capacity, the effect on the conservation area, potential disturbance caused by the construction, service infrastructure and overlooking.

The report reads: “The principle of development on this site is not acceptable as it is located outwith the settlement boundary in an area zoned as an Area of Great Landscape Value.

“In addition it is felt that development in this location will fundamentally change the character and appearance of the lower field which is an important visual and open space.

“In conclusion the proposal is premature and development of this area should be left to be considered through the local development plan rather than any piecemeal approach.”