Controversial plans for a £29 million housing estate have been approved, despite concerns it could “ghettoise” people in social housing.
Springfield Properties, the firm behind the huge Bertha Park development on the edge of Perth, has won permission to build 217 homes at its Kinloch Gardens site, off Glenalmond Road in Rattray.
The company said the move will bring quality, energy efficient homes to the area, safeguarding scores of construction jobs for several years.
But the move faced opposition from some councillors who felt a block of affordable housing on the edge of the site was inappropriate.
Springfield’s plan includes 60 low-cost homes – aimed at helping people get on the property ladder – representing 27% of the site.
But there was criticism that all proposed affordable housing was earmarked for just one section of the map.
Councillor Anne Jarvis said the plan to cluster housing risked “ghettoising” people living in affordable accommodation.
Councillor Bob Brawn called for the application to be rejected. “I am concerned about the affordable housing aspect,” he said. “People will feel separated from everyone else on the rest of the site.
“Being integrated into the estate would create more of a neighbourhood and there is scope to include social housing throughout the site.”
Agent David Jewell told members of the development management committee that business association providers prefer to have a cluster of affordable homes.
He said the western section would be one of the first phases of the development.
Mr Brawn’s motion was defeated by eight-six votes. Councillor Tom Gray, who backed the scheme, said the location of affordable housing was suitable for access to the local school.
There was also opposition from Wood Leisure, which operates the neighbouring Blairgowrie Holiday Park.
The firm said that the closeness of the development could adversely impact the “desirability” of the park, where “our visitors enjoy a peaceful, rural ambience”.
Councillors said Springfield and Wood Leisure should work together on creating a bund or woodland to separate the sites.
Springfield Properties managing director Innes Smith said: “We have a real opportunity in Rattray to extend our successful development here and continue to offer buyers homes with a great level of specification and a wide variety of choices. It’s an exciting time to be looking for a new home in the area.”
Mr Smith said the site would provide work for about 50 people over the next seven or so years.
Construction is expected to begin before the end of this year.
