Developers behind a plan to build more than 200 homes in Perthshire claim it will benefit the area’s economy.
Springfield Properties have lodged their proposal for 217 houses — 25% of which will be affordable — to Perth and Kinross Council for the site at Glenalmond Road, Rattray, Blairgowrie.
The company, who are also behind the sprawling Bertha Park project for west Perth, cite the area of the proposed housing scheme as being within the TAYplan as a ‘tier two’ location.
Springfield state: “This highlights the area as being a place which the collective TAYplan local authorities believe to be of major regional economic importance. In order to accommodate this economic growth, the stimulation of new house building is essential.
“Perth and Kinross is identified as a key rural growth area in national planning policy and the Glenalmond Road development will contribute toward this predicted demand. Springfield aim to create an attractive and exciting place for people looking for rural living, hoping to assist in combating the out-migration of populations from rural Scottish areas.”
Among the papers submitted with the council is a planning support statement which claims Springfield will create a “new sustainable housing development.”
Springfield’s document states: “The aims are to integrate with the surrounding environment as well as enhancing it. The Rattray development will provide a range of homes to meet current market demands.
“There will be 25% affordable housing which will be designed and built by Springfield in co-operation with a local housing association.”
It continues: “Allocated in the local development plan for 160 homes, following further analysis of market demands and to ensure the most efficient use of land, the number of proposed homes has been increased to 217.”
Springfield also claim Glenalmond Road, Rattray, is “already equipped” with bus links, and that the proposed development is “well served” and “accessible” to a variety of modes of transport. In addition, the developers claim that the planned site will include a multi-functional integrated greenspace, which will serve the needs of all residents.
“The idea is that this green space will serve as a central area for the new community,” Springfield state.
“The proposed development also benefits from the area of land to the north which will consist of a woodland and wild flower meadow. This also creates opportunities for connections into the existing core path network.
“Further greenspace is planned to the front of the development facing Glenalmond Road augmenting the existing landscaping.
“There is a playpark located adjacent to the site which should provide sufficient off-site provision in line with play area strategy.”
However, local Councillor Caroline Shiers, has expressed concerns as to whether roads can cope with the expected rise in traffic.
“Rattray High Street, Balmoral Road and surrounding roads are already busy and I would want assurances from the council’s roads department that the infrastructure could cope, and,if not, that additional works be put in place to alleviate the pressure this will bring,” she said.
“I have also asked questions about capacity at Rattray Primary School.”
Concerns have also been raised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland regarding species that use the site. These include yellowhammer, tree sparrow, spotted flycatcher, grey partridge and swifts.
Bea Ayling, conservation officer with RSPB Scotland, said: “The development proposals should include the retention of areas important for species of conservation concern.”
