A Kinross-shire MSP has demanded Perth and Kinross Council investigate alleged breaches of planning conditions at a prominent construction site.
MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire Roseanna Cunningham has written to the local authority’s planning team requesting an investigation into a series of issues at the Lathro Meadows site in Kinross.
Housebuilders Persimmon have been working at the site between Kinross and Milnathort since 2017 where more than 350 homes are to be built.
However, the Lathro Action Group has documented a range of infringements at the site, and contacted the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform.
Ms Cunningham said: “Local residents have raised concerns with me related to the Lathro development.
“I have taken those concerns up with the council and will be taking a close interest in the matter.”
The SNP Holyrood politician has contacted the local authority on behalf of two local residents who’s houses back onto the construction area.
It is understood one resident has fears a two-storey house is being built too close to her bungalow.
Another resident highlighted a lack of buffer planting between the construction site and the existing houses, as promised by the developer.
Issues relating to the alleged denial by Persimmon of machinery being left running at night and the felling of 250-year-old trees were also outlined in the letter.
Perth and Kinross Council has undergone enforcement measures in relation to surface water management – another issue highlighted by residents to Ms Cunningham.
A council spokesperson said: ““The breach of condition notices were served because the developer failed to put in place the requirements of the submitted and approved Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), and not because of any failure to submit the CEMP as required.
“As the local planning authority, we took the decision to begin enforcement action as a result of the developers not putting in place surface water management measures as required by the CEMP.
“It is for the council as planning authority alone to consider if enforcement action in relation to breaches of planning controls are necessary.
“The CEMP is a ‘live document’ and will be updated to ensure it remains effective for the life of the development. This is to enable the document to consider and be updated by, new guidance from SEPA, industry and changing circumstances on site.
“We can confirm that we will be responding direct to correspondence from Ms Cunningham in due course.”
The Courier contacted Persimmon for comment, however, as the MSP had aimed the enquiry at the council, the firm stated they believe that any response should come from the authority instead.
