Plans for nearly 60 new homes in Rattray have been signed off by councillors, despite fears the development will do little to address “the desperate need for social housing in Perth and Kinross”.
Councillors at yesterday’s planning and development management committee meeting gave the green light to housebuilders GS Brown who had submitted an application for a site on the edge of Honeyberry Crescent.
The proposals outlined 58 homes, with associated infrastructure. However, planners were pulled up by some councillors for recommending the scheme be approved despite not including a requirement for affordable homes as part of the package.
Members were told an earlier upfront payment made by the developers meant there was no need for on-site provision.
Normally developers are expected to make a quarter of the properties in a development of this size affordable.
Officers said they had the flexibility to enforce the condition as and when they see fit.
It was suggested to the committee’s vice-convener Bob Brawn and Councillor Willie Wilson that there was little demand for social housing in the Rattray area and that an ongoing development at Glenalmond Road would provide an adequate number of homes in that category.
The pair said they would accept the explanation in this case, but they wanted a more holistic approach to council housing across Perth and Kinross.
Mr Wilson said: “There is a long queue of people in Perth and Kinross desperate for housing.”
