Residents on the border of Perthshire and Stirlingshire have expressed safety concerns about a new service station which is set to be built on the A9.
Stirling councillors signed off the plans in principle for a truck stop and service station, including a restaurant and drive-thru at Firs of Kinbuck, just a few hundred metres from the Perthshire border.
However, discussions with neighbours on the eastern side of the boundary were not consulted with as the decision was to be made by only Stirling council.
More detailed blueprints will need to be submitted before any construction work can begin.
Stirling Council have outlined sixteen separate conditions which must be met in order to address concerns, including safety fears, before the site, which is expected to create a number of jobs, can open.
The idea of a truck stop nearby has concerned both residents and councillors on the Perthshire side of the A9, who feel the development could cause more crashes.
Last year, Strathallan councillor Crawford Reid revealed that Transport Scotland targets to make eight junctions and three service access points along the carriageway between the Keir and Broxden roundabouts meet visibility requirements was yet to be completed.
The Conservative believes there is potential for carnage on the road due to the frequency of vehicle’s u-turning.
“I was very disappointed when I heard of this project,” he said. “The A9 is not fit for purpose between Kier and Broxden roundabouts.
“Not many, if any, of the junctions are at the standard required for such a busy road.
“Apart from the possibility of loss of life, this is an extremely busy and important trunk road, and even the most inconsequential collision has the ability to cause chaos.
“It is absolutely inappropriate for another junction to be created on this busy road.”
Amongst those concerned is Perth and Kinross resident Jane Williams, who has lived on a farm right on the boundary for 20 years.
She has already seen a handful of fatal crashes at the central reservation turning point closest to her home and fears that more traffic could result in more collisions.
She said: “It is a dangerous road and you’ve got to be careful. This development is going to be a magnet for traffic.
“Someone has been killed at the central reservation making a U-turn already.
“The prevailing wind will carry noise from the development towards us, and we’re already between the carriageway and railway line.”
Stirling Council officers had advised elected members to reject the plans, but permission was granted to developers.
The local authority was approached for comment.
Amongst those siding with officers was Dunblane Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache.
He said: “I am really disappointed that this development was approved against officers’ advice.
“The A9 is a particularly dangerous road and it is beyond belief that the roadside development was not rejected for this reason.”
