Proposed Local Development Plan outlines future vision of Perth and Kinross
The proposed new Local Development Plan (LDP) for Perth and Kinross
will be considered at a special meeting of the Council on Tuesday
10th January.
The proposed LDP sets out the Council's vision for future
development across the area and identifies a land-use framework for
housing development, employment land, transport infrastructure and
areas of environmental importance that will be protected.
It brings together previously separate local area plans and
policies into one comprehensive document that considers the future
sustainable development of the whole of Perth and Kinross
The proposed LDP includes:
- Plans for a new Cross Tay Link Road route corridor, from the A9
north of Inveralmond linking to the A93 and A94 north of
Scone.
- A boundary for the Perth Green Belt.
- Land identified for an additional 7,250 houses to be built
before 2024 around Perth and Kinross.
- Land identified for employment use to ensure the economy of
Perth and Kinross can be competitive and grow sustainably.
It is important to note that the LDP will provide the overall
blueprint for future development in Perth and Kinross - all
development proposals will still need separate individual planning
approvals in order to go ahead.
Councillors will be asked to approve the proposed LDP and agree
to its publication on January 30th 2012, after which a 10-week
period will begin when the public can make representations. This
will give local residents, businesses and other interested parties
the chance to comment.
A series of 13 drop-in events will be held in February for
people to view proposals contained in the document and to make
representations. There will also be two surgery sessions where
people can make appointments to discuss specific issues with
planning officers. Static exhibitions around the area will also be
held for people to view proposals.
The drawing up of the proposed LDP followed a major public
consultation on the Main Issues Report (MIR) held by the Council at
the end of 2009/start of 2010. The MIR put forward proposals for
land use and asked the public for their views. Over 1,250
representations were received highlighting around 8,500 issues
which were analysed by planning staff.
Addressing future challenges
Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Miller, said: "The
proposed Local Development Plan is vitally important in shaping the
future of Perth and Kinross.
"We listened to the public through the Main Issues Report
consultation and have now brought forward this document, which is
our vision of how Perth and Kinross can develop sustainably into
the future.
"Forecasts show that the population of Perth and Kinross will
grow significantly over the next few decades, and the proposed LDP
addresses the infrastructure challenges that will bring.
"We will need many more houses, and more land for business and
industry so that out local economy can provide employment to local
people and remain competitive. The document identifies sites for
that development.
"It addresses transport infrastructure issues, especially around
Perth where congestion can be a problem.
"Importantly, it also identifies areas of environmental
importance where development should be prevented in future,
protecting our natural heritage.
"People have the chance to make final representations and would
I urge people to come along to our drop-in events.
"Following this, the Council will consider all the
representations received and decide if it wishes to amend the LDP
in response.
"The proposed LDP is one of the biggest pieces of work ever
undertaken by this Council. It will ensure the future prosperity of
Perth and Kinross and builds upon the special qualities of Perth
and Kinross which make it an excellent place to live and do
business."
Details of consultation events will be announced following
approval of the proposed LDP by the Council on January 10th.
