Upgrade approved despite objections

Perth and Kinross councillors have agreed to a Pitlochry riverside path being widened and upgraded despite concerns a picnic table might spark antisocial behaviour.

- KATHRYN ANDERSON

Objectors, and particularly neighbouring residents, feared the new picnic area might create a “prime site for youths to congregate”.

Perth and Kinross Council’s Planning and Placemaking Committee voted to approve both the picnic table and path upgrade at a planning meeting earlier this month.

The picnic bench required planning permission due to hardstanding being laid on a grassy area.

When the committee met on Wednesday, January 7, councillors were told there were 14 letters of objection and six letters of support for the proposal to upgrade and widen the footpath between Port-na-Craig Bridge and Pitlochry Dam.

Pitlochry and Moulin Community Council objected to the plans and raised concern there was a “lack of community support” and “inadequate consultation with residents most directly affected”.

The community council said an initial request had been made by the Pitlochry Path Group for support to apply to an SSE fund.

The community council submitted objection said: “At that time, provisional support was expressed only for the path upgrade and this was explicitly contingent on proper engagement with residents.”

It said a subsequent survey, conducted by residents of Tummel Crescent and Ferry Crescent, found 29 residents were opposed to the installation of a picnic bench, 17 opposed the path upgrade, 11 supported the path upgrade and one was unsure.