A planned development that includes 1,500 homes, a new primary school and a community centre may solve Perth’s predicted future housing shortfall, it has been claimed.
Alastair Wood, planning director at Savills, which is acting on behalf of developer the Pilkington Trust, told The Courier he believes Almond Valley will ensure the council’s vision of meeting the “strategic target of much-needed housing” is realised.
He also described how the proposal would link into Perth’s planned expansion, which includes the upgrade of the A85/A9 junction and the proposed Bertha Park development to the west of the city.
It has been estimated that more than 8,000 houses could be built in the Perth area over coming years. This will consist of 3,000-plus at Bertha Park, 3,000-plus at Perth West, 1,500 at Almond Valley and 750 at other Perth sites.
The Almond Valley masterplan details the vision for the 1,500 homes which would be built alongside a primary school, community centre and leisure facilities on a sprawling 160-acre site between Ruthvenfield and Huntingtower, on the outskirts of Perth.
If passed, developers state the proposal would also provide improved access to the Lade waterway that runs through the River Almond.
Work would begin on the site in 2017.
Mr Wood said the development will involve building “pockets” of 100 homes per year, over a 15-year period. He also said he believes Almond Valley will enable the council’s housing strategy for north-west Perth to be delivered.
“The council-approved planning permission for the upgrade of the A85/A9 junction to deliver the Western Link Road will form the first stage of the longer-term Cross Tay Link Road,” he told The Courier.
“The Western Link Road, which will be part-funded by the development, will provide access through Almond Valley and into Bertha Park to a new high school.
“Almond Valley would help meet the city’s housing shortfall and deliver economic growth to Scotland’s newest city.”
He continued: “Almond Valley will enhance the area by providing woodland, which would be put in three to four years in advance of any building.
“There will also be buffer zones and open spaces to minimise the impact of building, and people will have more access to the River Almond area so they can enjoy it.”
The plan will be discussed at a meeting with Methven and District Community Council, which will take place on Monday May 18 at Huntingtower Hotel at 7pm.