Plans to build a new roundabout at a traffic-choked Perth junction could be refused over fears it could increase congestion.
Local authority developers are also concerned that the plan for the Crieff Road junction at Tesco would have an impact on vital infrastructure work set for the A9/A85.
These improvements are thought to be essential for any future housing development that could take place in west Perth.
A report written by Nick Brian, development quality manager with Perth and Kinross Council, reveals officials have been in “prolonged dialogue” with Tesco, but emphasises there are “no signs of progress”.
In the document, Mr Brian says: “The proposal will have an adverse impact on the A85 corridor and result in significant congestion on the corridor, Newhouse Road and the A9 south-facing slips.
“This would seriously undermine phase one of the Perth Transport Futures project for improvements to the A9/A85 Crieff Road junction and as a consequence, undermine the strategic growth to the north and west of Perth.”
Mr Brian cites a study carried out by the council which found that queues form on Crieff Road, eastbound from 4.35pm to 6.10pm, originating from the Newhouse Road junction.
“These queues extend back through the Tesco roundabout and block the exit and also result in issues as far back as the A9 northbound diverge slip with the A85,” his report says.
“The blocking of the proposed Tesco roundabout can result in a maximum of 600 vehicles unable to enter the network from the Tesco area at approximately 5.30pm in the peak period.
“There will also be periodic queues on the A9 southbound diverge approach to the A85 which have the potential to block back onto the A9 southbound carriageway, whilst queuing can also be seen on the eastbound approach to the A85 Tulloch Terrace signalised junction.”
The refusal recommendation is also based on no air quality assessment being submitted to identify the potential impact it will have on the designated air quality management area.
Mr Brian also states no tree survey has been lodged to quantify the impact the plan will have on trees and green infrastructure.
Mr Brian notes that due to the size of the planned site, which is more than two hectares, the Tesco scheme is classed as a “major application.”
“This means there is a statutory requirement imposed on the applicant to undertake pre-application consultations with the local community,” he says in the report.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s development management committee will discuss the matter on Wednesday, when they will hear that Transport Scotland have objected to the proposal on the basis that transport information submitted by Tesco is inadequate.