Population growth predictions for Perth and Kinross 27% by 2033 pose serious challenges for the future and should carry a “health warning,” according to independent councillor Mike Barnacle.
Calling the projections “alarming and ludicrous,” he views the rate of growth and inherent housing density as “neither desirable nor sustainable from an environmental perspective.”
He expands his feelings on the prospect of Perth and Kinross remaining one of the fastest growing areas of Scotland in his submission to the council on their Main Issues Report (MIR), which is an opportunity for people to give their views on development options for the future.
“It is noted the projections are based on past trends and take no account of the current economic climate. I suggest they should come with a government health warning.
“At this point it is worth reflecting that the population of Fossoway parish was 947 in 1981, 1735 in 2001 and who knows in 2024?
“From the current Kinross-shire Local Plan I note the county’s population between 1981 and 1991 rose 25%, far outstripping the Perth and Kinross Council area at 6%.
“The highest growth in the plan area for that decade was 41.7% in Crook of Devon/Drum. If we extrapolated past trends, Kinross-shire would see the highest growth in Perth and Kinross and I believe planning officers accept this is not sustainable.”‘Loss of farming land’He says accepting this level of growth forces a choice “between housing density and irrevocable loss of prime agricultural land.”
He said, “It is vital it (agricultural land) is retained for food production. I would argue strongly against the use of the highest grades of land for housing and suggest it is contrary to national planning policy.”
Another major concern he flags up in his submission is that areas of great landscape value (AGLV) are due to be lost under Scottish planning policy.
He continued, “The community and I worked hard at our last Local Plan Inquiry to acquire the extension of the AGLVs to our county’s hill and river borders.
“The MIR suggests the creation of local landscape areas to replace AGLVs and I propose these should include the Cleish, Lomond and Ochil Hills, along with the River Devon. A regional park for the Ochil Hills, like the Lomonds, should be considered here.”
Mr Barnacle has said he would be happy to be involved in further discussion on the areas to be included for safeguarding against inappropriate development.
He contends that he is well placed to give the views of the people of Kinross-shire as not only has he been an elected member for the area since 1999, but he has also gauged public opinion through a number of well-attended public meetings.