Plans for an Auchterarder-based haulier to move into a site in Muthill are set to be rejected by Perth and Kinross Council.
The local authority’s development management committee will meet on Wednesday (October 24) and on the agenda is the change of use application from John Bayne and Son for the premises at Caerlaverock Farm.
However, the report presented to the committee by planning officials recommends denying the consent as it has been deemed contrary to local and Strathearn area plans, and Scottish Planning Policy.
The report concludes: “The decision on this application requires to be weighed between the impact on residential amenity which the use will have on neighbouring residents against the economic and financial considerations of an established local business and the wider community.”
It continues: “Whilst I note that the countryside does provide for these types of businesses in certain circumstances and national, regional and local policy does support business in general, these businesses require to be in the correct location.
“The haulage business is a well established local business in the area and I accept that the location of the shed suits the businesses operations; however I do not consider the specific site proposed be a suitable site for this type of use.
“I believe the impact on residential amenity of this proposal outweighs the economic considerations of the business and this view is backed up by the history of planning refusals and appeal dismissals on this site.”
The report states: “Furthermore I am not convinced that the imposition of conditions, if any planning consent was given, would be sufficient to control day to day operations on the site in order to protect the amenity of neighbouring properties and there is no scope to control any intensification of use of the site.
“As the Reporter stated these conditions are often difficult to monitor and enforce and I have particular concern in this instance due to the applicant’s lack of regard to planning rules and regulations in the past. The application is therefore recommended for refusal.”
Muthill and Tullibardine Community Council submitted an objection to the planning application, citing the suitability of the roads around the premises for HGV traffic, the impact on nearby properties and they rejected arguments made by the company on the financial impact turning down the request would have.
Secretary Cameron MacKenzie told the Herald: “This is good news and I am thinking about going to the meeting next week, as I would be interested to hear what they say.
“Councillors don’t always follow the recommendations but in this case I hope they do.”
The primary school’s parent council also put in an objection, on the grounds of road safety near the school.
Previous attempts to gain consent were rejected by PKC and the Scottish Government on grounds of conflicts with the Strathearn local plan, noise and incompatibility with the area.
