Perth plan consultation
What is the New Perth Local Plan?
It's a land use plan, currently in draft form, covering Perth City and the surrounding countryside and villages. It contains detailed guidance on where we will encourage development and where it is unlikely to be allowed. It guides day-to-day planning decisions and influences the determination of planning applications.
It is an amalgamation of the Perth and the Perth Central Local Plans. When it eventually comes into force it will form part of the Development Plan, which comprises the Local Plan and the Structure Plan.
The intention to review and amalgamate the Perth Area and the Perth Central Area Local Plans was advertised at the end of August 2001. A Draft of the New Perth Area Local Plan was published in December 2004 and was available for public consultation during January and February 2005.
What progress has been made?
We are still assessing the 1600 comments received on the plan. The comments received have raised a number of major issues. For example the possible need for a new bridge across the Tay north of Perth, new roads to deal with the expansion on the west side of Perth, the allocation of housing land and Scottish Water's investment programme.
Where can I get a copy of the Draft Plan?
If you want a copy of the Plan you should send a cheque to us for £15 at the address below
The Environment Service
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street
PERTH
PH1 5GD
When will it come into force?
Until a local plan is replaced by a more up-to-date version, the adopted local plan remains in force. The replacement plan, until it is adopted, may form a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.
What settlements are in the Plan area?
The main settlement is Perth City. A number of other villages and small settlements are included stretching from Burrelton in the north to Glenfarg in the south and from Invergowrie in the east to Methven in the west.
What are the key issues dealt with in the Plan?
The key issues are:
- Defining the Perth Green Belt boundary.
- Tackling the shortage of employment land
- Ensuring provision of sufficient affordable housing.
Where will new housing be built?
- New housing will be concentrated in Perth and the adjacent villages. This will make use of existing public transport connections. It's also where most of the shops and other services are found. The rest of the houses will be built in the outlying villages where it will help support existing communities.
What about Commercial Development?
- We want to protect and enhance the existing city centre retailing function by encouraging new city centre retail development and controlling out of centre retailing.
- We have identified an out of centre retail opportunity at the junction of the A9/A85 junction.
- We are seeking to ease the employment land shortage by creating a more flexible policy framework for employment land in Perth and by encouraging the release of employment sites already identified.
What about leisure and tourism?
The city centre has a lot to offer in the way of leisure and tourist facilities including the cinema, theatre, the City Halls the Museum and Art Galleries. Uses in support of retailing are vital for the continued health of the town centre and we want to see greater use made of the pedestrian areas for leisure and cultural activities. We would welcome a major tourist attraction in the central area.
Are there any transport improvements proposed?
- Junction improvements are being considered on the main feeder routes into the city and onto the trunk road network.
- Proposals are put forward for the new transport interchange and rail freight facilities.
- Consideration is being given to the proposal for a new bridge over the Tay.
Where can I get more information?
If you want more information contact Ron Moody.
