Homes plan to boost businesses despite flood fears

Perthshire village affordable housing approved

Local businesses and the primary school roll are predicted to benefit from 35 new affordable homes in a Highland Perthshire village, despite lingering flooding concerns.

Construction firm, Algo, more traditionally known for industrial and agricultural buildings, is behind a development of 8 different house types, in association with the Council and the Communities Housing Trust, in Ballinluig.

When complete in 2027/2028, the homes will be taken over by the Council to provide social, rented affordable housing; addressing a shortage which is identified as a key challenge for communities and businesses within rural Perthshire.

The development been unanimously approved by planners, with homes suiting from 2 to 6 people, with three adapted for wheelchair user occupancy.

Local traders near the St Cedd’s Road project are set to benefit during the construction phase and beyond, with higher footfall and spending likely.

There is also predicted to be a benefit to the local Logierait school, with pupil occupancy currently only at 50% capacity.

Most of the low carbon homes at the location, which has been identified as a priority site for housing by the local authority, are 2-storey buildings in semi-detached cottage style.

The principal concern from residents is the propensity for flooding from the nearby burn, with several having to be evacuated from their homes.

This year alone there have been three flooding incidents, the latest being in April despite Algo installing a drain to divert water from the hillside burn.

The development will contain a new sustainable urban drainage basin and new surface drains are to be installed around the site perimeter to protect the homes.

Comments from planners in recommending the development for approval, read: “The national housing emergency and the need for affordable homes does not automatically override all other planning assessments and considerations but it is nevertheless a significant consideration for this development bearing in mind the committed financial investment by the Council for developing this site.”

Businesses are tipped to benefit from the construction phase