One woman’s bid to look after her father at home in Perth has resulted in a neighbourhood spat.
Lesley Rance made an emotional deputation at Wednesday’s meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee.
She plans to add a “granny flat “to her Feus Road property to enable her to provide 24-hour care for her dad, who suffers from Alzheimer’s.
Despite explaining the delicate situation to her neighbours, Mrs Rance has faced a stream of objections.
“I’m extremely disappointed by the attitude and behaviour of many of my neighbours and the lack of compassion shown for an elderly ill man,” she said. “I’m surprised that so many have been taking the opportunity to stick the knife in.
“The fact that so many people have objected suggests that I’m doing something really controversial here.
“My father is going to need increasing care in the future and the best way to make sure he gets it is for him to come and live with me. I’m just asking for an extension like the hundreds of others that get approved.”
Mrs Rance gave assurances that the extension, which will be based at the front of the house, would not be used as a separate property, as suggested by some objectors.
In the event of her father passing away, it would be turned into a second living room.
Also addressing the committee was David Wright, her next door neighbour and one of those who are against the plans.
He claimed he had “never” been approached about the proposals.
He added: “This is an overdevelopment of a bungalow. It would increase the size of the property by 52.58% and is identical to that which was refused previously.”
Councillors were told by development quality manager Nick Brian that there were no concerns about the extension increasing the risk of flooding on Feus Road. He also gave assurances that it would carry restrictions to prevent the “granny flat” being turned into a second home.
The proposals were approved by the committee.