A bold plan to build housing in a Perth quarry is to be investigated.
In a bid to identify possible housing sites to accommodate homes for a rapidly growing population, Perth and Kinross Council has cast its net widely and identified some unusual options.
These will be put out for public consultation and the suggested use of the quarry, off Gleneagles Road on the edge of Perth, is for mixed residential and leisure use with suggestions including a dry ski slope, climbing walls and mountain biking tracks.
Although at an early stage, the proposal intrigued councillors who felt it was worthy of serious consideration.
“I think that the whole site needs very careful examination to ascertain what opportunities there may be in the future,” said Councillor Willie Wilson, who added that health and safety might be an issue.
“Obviously some of the quarry cliffs may offer opportunities for recreation such as rock climbing and other uses.
“As far as housing is concerned, I think it is a challenging site and the council would need to look at issues such as drainage, access and topography in the first instance.
“If the quarry ceases to be used commercially, it does open up opportunities for extending the pathway network from St Magdalene’s Hill.”
In a report that was considered by councillors this week, it said that Lafarge Tarmac, who operate the quarry, had indicated that it was nearing the end of its life and they advocated its redevelopment for leisure and residential use.
“The reuse (of the quarry) could potentially deliver wider public benefits by way of recreational facilities with employment gains,” said the report which examines the main issues the council will face in the coming years, such as housing.
Other areas identified for potential housing include land north of the Burghmuir reservoir in Perth and land to the north of Scone in the green belt.
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller reminded councillors that approving the report before them did not bind them to the contents.
“It is here to stimulate discussion and aid the public consultation process which will follow,” said Mr Miller.