Councillors approve plans for 85 new homes in Pitlochry

Perth and Kinross Council has unanimously approved a development of 85 homes in Pitlochry.Officers have confirmed there would be an obligation for developers to make 25% of the housing affordable.The plans were approved at a virtual planning meeting on January 19.Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development management committee was recommended to approve the plans submitted by A and J Stephen Builders Ltd.The six-hectare site is located at Middleton of Fonab, Foss Road adjacent to the A9. The proposed development will comprise 77 two to four-bedroomed houses and eight one/two-bedroomed flats.Concerns were voiced regarding the unknown impact the adjacent A9 dualling project would have on the development.The report of handling said Transport Scotland had confirmed it was progressing with the A9 dualling project at this neighbouring Pitlochry to Killiecrankie section.This is part of Transport Scotland’s £3 billion programme to dual the route from Perth to Inverness over 11 sections.Conservative Kinross-shire councillor Mike Barnacle questioned if it might have been “more sensible” for the housing development plans to have been submitted later.A council officer explained discussions were understood to be taking place in the background between Transport Scotland and the developer, the Perthshire Advertiser reports.Highland Perthshire SNP councillor Mike Williamson also raised concern about the added pressure the development might have on health services and questioned if NHS Tayside had been consulted.SNP Strathallan councillor Tom Gray welcomed the fact the development would bring affordable housing.