Local Plan

Representations have been made to the Draft Local Plan for the Perth Area. These are precised in the following paragraphs. (Copies of the full representation are available for inspection.)

Based on the development constraints that are prevalent at the Major Strategic Development Area at Oudenarde, and the fact the other former MSDA at Almond Valley has been withdrawn from the Draft Plan, there is a clear imbalance between the housing land supply and the housing land requirement for the Perth Area. In the latest Draft of the Local Plan there are four main stated housing objectives;

The proposed development subject of this current proposal is on a brownfield site, contains a major affordable housing element (and is associated with another in a second location at Scone), and is an appropriate rural development given the development pattern in and around Errol. The historical influence of Errol is wider than its boundaries, given the location of its former Station and its relationship with The Grange, St Madoes, and Inchmichael. Development at Errol Airfield would be to the benefit of these development clusters.

There will be a range of associated planning gains that will reflect the scale of the proposed development. These will be in relation to local road improvements, employment opportunities, and support for existing local services such as schools, shops, and public transport. Current employment land will be retained with the opportunity of additional land for expansion.

With regard to existing infrastructure, there are no constraints relative to drainage and sewage disposal. In relation to traffic movements on the local road system, it should be noted that

The development will be set in a framework of structured landscaping that will be phased in association with the development elements. A masterplan will be prepared for the development, and the developer is keen to have the Council participate in the evolution of this.

The affordable housing is consistent with the Executives, and the Council’s objectives, to provide opportunities for those just starting on the house ownership or rental ladder. As well as at Errol Airfield, the developer is also keen to add a second affordable housing site at Scone Airfield, amounting again to circa 50 houses. These 100 or so affordable houses, which would amount to a percentage figure of 21% are all tied into the financial projections for the Errol development, and are dependent on its success. Discussions have taken place with local Housing Associations and there is firm interest in the potential such a meaningful contribution to the affordable supply.

The landowner is keen for the housing to go to local families on the current waiting lists, and would welcome the involvement of the local authority and community councils in this part of the development.

Although the Local Plan Review is in its early stages, it is clear that the Perth Structure Plan is some way into its programme. The principal housing supply areas identified are not currently delivering and are not expected to deliver until well into the plan period. There is a requirement to provide a minimum five-year supply with some certainty that there will be delivery. The recent buoyant housing market figures will be reflected in subsequent Housing Land Audits.

The Errol and Scone sites are more favourable for short-term delivery for the following reasons;

Conclusion

It is proposed to submit a planning application in the very near future, and to continue discussions with the Local Authority and the local community throughout its processing. Local Plan representations will continue in order to formalise the Development Plan position so that the development and its phasing become part of the planned development within the Perth Area Local Plan.

This modest proposal is beneficial to all those who live in the area, giving choice of homes in every market sector, and employment opportunities close to home. Local services will also benefit, and the masterplan approach will ensure that the end product is an efficient and sustainable example of how to develop responsibly and integrate with an existing community.

Grange Park is the only Development that the Morris Leslie Group is involved in within the Grange / Errol area and any other proposal that includes their land has been done so without the Morris Leslie Groups knowledge or consent.