A community council has expressed frustration a new path planned to connect two villages in Kinross-shire has still not been built by the local authority despite being talked about “for several decades”.
Portmoak Community Council (PCC) says it has seen “precious little” done to bring about the creation of the “long awaited” new link between Scotlandwell and Kinnesswood despite local politicians promising progress in the run-up to the last local elections.
The group reckons an existing roadside path linking the villages is “extremely dangerous” for walkers and cyclists and the new path must be formed before Perth and Kinross Council planning officials consider approving a new housing development in the area.
PCC made the remarks in its response to a recent application from Glenrothes-based developers Scotwell to build 22 houses south of Scotlandwell.
Members say the proposed scheme would be “the most significant housing development in Scotlandwell for at least the last 20 years” and there is “considerable public concern” over the scale of the development.
The group’s response said: “PCC does not wish to see 22 houses built anywhere in the vicinity of Scotlandwell until after the long awaited off road walking and cycling path is built to connect Scotlandwell to the village hall and on to Kinnesswood via the existing off road path between the hall and Kinnesswood.
“This path has been argued for by PCC residents for several decades and is supposed to have been under active consideration by PKC since 2003.
“All four of the current ward councillors were elected on the basis of firm commitments that they gave at the PCC hustings that they would ensure this path would be completed by the end of their terms of office.
“These expire in 2022 and precious little has so far been done by PKC to deliver on these commitments.
“The current roadside path is extremely dangerous from passing traffic and their extended wing mirrors or associated appendages, especially on agricultural vehicles, in addition to vehicles that mount the pavement.
“The dangerous nature of the existing path is recognised by PKC who accept that this is the principle reason for bussing children from Scotlandwell to Portmoak Primary School in Kinnesswood, despite Scotlandwell being within the catchment area where children would be expected to walk or cycle to school.”
PKC’s development plans team said earlier this year they have “significant concerns” about the layout and design of the proposed scheme as it stands.
The council’s environmental health team have also told planning officials they cannot appraise the application until Scotwell submits an air quality screening assessment.
And it is understood the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is also maintaining a holding objection to Scotwell’s application until it sees a peat survey of the site.
A PKC spokesperson commented yesterday: “We can confirm that an upgrade of the footpath between Kinnesswood and Scotlandwell is included on the council’s list of new rural footways.
“The scheme has been assessed and ranked in accordance with criteria previously considered by the environment and infrastructure committee.
“Additional land would be required before the scheme can be taken forward as there is none available at present within the road boundary.
“Consequently, higher-ranked footway schemes which can be delivered within the budget and timescale of the current programme have been prioritised for action.
“Our traffic and network team remain keen to engage with the community in Portmoak to look at how this scheme can be progressed.”
