Alteration - Population and households
Why were you preparing new guidance on population and housing?
The Structure Plan currently sets a target for Perth & Kinross of some 10,000 new homes by 2020. Demand for new dwellings has been growing because people live longer and have different lifestyles. In particular, there is an increasing number of people who live on their own. The most recent population projections we have indicate that the population of Perth and Kinross is increasing at a rate faster than that planned for in the approved Structure Plan.
As we think the population is increasing it is likely that we will have to allocate more land for housing. Consequently, we will need to provide firm guidance for local plans on the amount of housing land they will need to identify in the future.
What does the Policy Guidance consider?
The Guidance approved by us on 27 January 2010 looks at the impact of the new population figures and updates the amount of land which is needed for housing in each Local Plan area. It will also help inform the new Local Development Plan.
Why are you no longer preparing an Alteration to the Structure Plan?
A draft Alteration to the existing Structure Plan was prepared which would have needed to be formally approved by the Scottish Ministers. However due to timing issues with the new Planning Act we have been advised that Ministers would no longer be able to consider it. Policy Guidance on population and households has therefore been prepared instead which will sit alongside the existing Structure Plan.
How many new houses are planned for the period to 2020?
The amount of land required is regularly monitored to make sure that enough is being provided. In light of this monitoring and the revised population projections there is a need to identify land for around 12,000 houses for the period to 2020.
Where will the additional houses be built?
The Guidance only gives a broad indication of how much land is required in each planning area. It will be for the Local Development Plan to distribute and make specific sites allocations throughout Perth & Kinross.
Where can I get more Information?
The Policy Guidance is available to download from this page. The updated Report of Survey can also be downloaded from this page.
Should you have any questions you can email:
PKCStructurePlan@pkc.gov.uk
