A measure to protect the ecology of Loch Leven from the effect of new developments in the area has been introduced.
A new agreement a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Perth and Kinross Council, Sepa and Scottish Natural Heritage to speed up the planning mechanism that prevents the discharge of phosphorus into the loch.
Developments produce phosphorus through, for example, waste water and sewage, so it is important to ensure that, before planning permission is granted, measures are in place to prevent any increase in the quantity being released into the loch.
The Memorandum will replace Section 75 legal agreements, the council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee was told, and will ensure that phosphorous mitigation measures are in place for any development, and that their maintenance is secured through agreed planning conditions.
That will ensure the ecology of the Loch Leven area continues to be protected, while reducing costs to developers and the monitoring and enforcement burden on the council.
Welcoming the planning agreement, committee vice-convener Joe Giacopazzi said: “While we can ask for these measures to be put in place, developers and property owners still have a duty to ensure that any plant installed is working effectively and efficiently throughout its lifespan.”