Work to begin phase two of the Cross Tay Link Road is one step closer after councillors voted to approve compulsory purchase orders to acquire land.
Discussions with all landowners and tenants about the council acquiring the land have already begun, but council officers say acquiring the whole site by means of a compulsory purchase order will help ensure there are no gaps in title affecting the council’s ownership of the land required.
Councillors approved this approach.
The compulsory purchase orders will be made next month then submitted to Scottish ministers for confirmation.
In their report, council officers said: “The timescale from promoting the compulsory purchase orders to vesting of the land in this instance could take up to a year.
“If objections are received and are not withdrawn, the Scottish ministers may arrange to hold a public inquiry or hearing.
“Should this be the case, it could take significantly longer for the compulsory purchase orders to be confirmed and for the land to be vested.
“Timescales could be shorter or longer depending on circumstances.”
The council is working towards a final completion date for the route in spring 2024.
Council leader Murray Lyle moved the paper saying the CLTR was “essential” to “address long-standing concerns around congestion and air quality in Perth city centre.”
He and other councillors such as SNP councillor Eric Drysdale spoke of the importance of getting this project moving “without delay”.
The motion was seconded by Conservative councillor John Duff.
Labour councillor Alasdair Bailey then said: “I do worry that we are trying to build our way out of congestion.
“I wonder how long it will be before we talk about the Perth West bypass after we approve the developments [discussed earlier in the meeting].”
