Latest news with #PKC
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Ewan McGregor's roof repair plan for his Perthshire home rejected
His architects had told planners that the cracked lead roof is beyond repair and has caused 'water ingress'. Hollywood star Ewan McGregor's bid to fix the leaky roof of his listed £2.35m Perthshire mansion has been rejected by PKC. The local authority said in its decision that approval was contrary to planning and development policies. The 54-year-old Trainspotting actor bought the C-listed Glencarse House near Perth two years ago. He has already received permission for multiple upgrades at the home, set in more than 18 acres of Carse of Gowrie land and gardens. The villa was originally an Adam design dating to 1790, with alterations carried out in the late 1800s and 1920s. The latest application involved replacing a 'defective' lead roof with single-ply membrane Sarnafil and replacing existing skylights with double glazed units. His architects had told planners that the cracked lead roof is beyond repair and has caused 'water ingress'. But in a written decision PKC stated: '...The proposed replacement roof structure, single-ply membrane and PVC battens, and lantern rooflight features would not preserve the listed building's fine detail character and special architectural interest and would not be an appropriate solution or approach in protecting and enhancing the existing roof form and materiality.' The plans were contrary to Local Development Plan policy 'which favours retention and sympathetic restoration, as the proposed replacement roof structure' and the proposed features would 'adversely affect the listed building's character and special architectural interest, by virtue of reprofiling the roof, the use of non-traditional methods and materials.' A heritage officer's submission pointed out that 'a lead roof can last up to 200 years if it is installed and maintained correctly. 'Lead is also an infinitely recyclable material, making it a more environmentally sustainable choice relative to synthetic oil-based materials.' It was further stated: 'Potential theft is mentioned as a further reason to support the loss of the lead roof covering. 'Given the extensive CCTV coverage on site, Glencarse is unlikely to be vulnerable to lead theft. There is no evidence that the roof has been subject to theft in the past. No structural evidence has been provided demonstrating that the existing roof structure cannot take the weight of a lead roof, as suggested by the supporting statement. If this was the case, the roof structure could be upgraded under the guidance of a structural engineer.'
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Sainsbury's store in Auchterarder approved despite The Co-op's objection
Perth and Kinross councillors voted to approve the application, going against officers' recommendation to refuse it Plans for a new Sainsbury's store in Auchterarder - which grocery rival The Co-op objected to - have been given the go-ahead by councillors. Perth and Kinross Council officers had recommended the application for refusal saying it was "an out-of-centre location" which is "not allocated for new retail development". But elected members sitting on PKC's Planning and Placemaking Committee on Wednesday, July 9 gave their overwhelming support to the application, arguing it brought "much-needed choice and competition" to the Perthshire town. The proposal - put before councillors - was for a convenience store with a car park, which would create around 15 to 20 jobs. The vacant site was a former PKC depot on Feus, on the northern side of the A824 and 900m east of Auchterarder's town centre. Planning officers said the proposed 360m² store - despite being reduced from 448m² - was too large to be defined as a small-scale neighbourhood retail development in line with PKC's 2023 Perth and Kinross Retail Study. PKC's Development Management and Building Standards manager Kristian Smith said: "The council's retail study what would be considered to reflect a neighbourhood/small-scale retail that would serve the local needs of the immediate population and that has been set out as a unit of 200m² or a grouping of different offerings [units] of up to 500m²." He added: "We've all seen what has happened over decades past with out-of-town shopping, and for the scale we're looking at, the concerns we have is we are just diverting trade away from the town centre." However, Strathallan ward Liberal Democrat councillor Alan Watt argued locals "want the store to be as big as it can be". He and fellow ward SNP councillor Steven Carr - addressed the committee on behalf of the community they represent - speaking in favour of the application. Cllr Carr said: "In speaking with residents, I haven't received a single email, phone call or discussion on the street that has expressed opposition to this planning application. "This is in an area of Auchterarder that has had a substantial number of houses built over the last few years and with many of them now occupied by families, there is certainly a need to increase the daily food shopping facilities within this particular area. And - with permission - for a further 100 houses already granted it can be argued this is no longer becoming a need but a necessity for the area." Cllr Watt said: "I had 51 comments on social media - all of them were supportive. "Historically, Auchterarder has had many more stores than it does now, with a much-increased population." Bailie Claire McLaren asked if there had been concerns from other local business owners, besides The Co-op. Cllr Carr said: "One of the great things about Auchterarder is the diversity of the shops that are there. It's one of the few small towns that actually has a thriving High St and it's down to the diversity of these shops. I don't see anything with regards to the planning application that would affect that." PKC received eight letters of objection to the application, seven letters of support and four neutral responses. David Campbell from North Planning and Development addressed the council on behalf of the Co-op, who submitted an objection to the application. He said: "The Co-op is a key stakeholder in Auchterarder town centre. "Significant impact on The Co-op - as the planning officer judges would occur - will therefore have negative impacts on the wider town centre due to lost shopping trips and linked spending in other shops, coffee shops, etc." The Co-op's analysis predicted the Sainsbury's proposal would "draw approximately 75 per cent of its trade from the existing town centre and that would have a 30 per cent negative impact on town centre retailers" which Mr Campbell said would have "significant consequences for Auchterarder town centre". He added: "National and council planning policies are designed to protect town centres. The Co-op - and others - have chosen to invest in Auchterarder town centre based on the certainty these policies are designed to provide. And this should not be undermined by granting planning permission for out-of-town centre developments." Duncan Kennedy of Sainsbury's told councillors the reduction in size would give it a shop floor space of 240m² - "basically the average size of a Sainsbury's Local store". A social media poll Sainsbury's conducted in January/February 2025 received over 1000 responses in a fortnight. Mr Kennedy said: "91 per cent indicated they would support it. If anything, the main bit of feedback we had was that people wanted a larger store, but clearly we are just proposing a neighbourhood local store. We think this is the best location we can find for it and we plan for the store to serve the immediate area around it with the aim of fostering 20-minute neighbourhoods." Sainsbury's planning agent Gary Morris added: "It's half the size of The Co-op." Referring to PKC's local development plan, Mr Morris said: "Our view is there is a clear qualitative need that the people of Auchterarder want. I don't think we can say just because there is already one food store in Auchterarder that is qualitative need met. If you've got no choice, you've got no competition; if you've got no competition, you've got no incentive or regulation on price, quality, service, supply, range, innovation." Strathallan ward councillor - Keith Allan - who sits on the committee moved the application for approval and was seconded by Cllr Ian James. Cllr Ken Harvey sought to refuse the application, describing the "potential 30 per cent downturn into the town centre" as "particularly worrisome". The SNP councillor insisted he was being "consistent" having been the only councillor to support officers' recommendation to refuse the Aldi application for Necessity Brae in Perth, in June 2025 and one of only two to vote to refuse the application for a Lidl on Perth's Crieff Road, in March 2025. Cllr Harvey was the only councillor to attempt to refuse the Sainsbury's application and it was unanimously approved.
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
International science conclave draws over 300 participants
The Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC) hosted an International Citizen Science Conclave on Saturday at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), drawing over 300 participants, including international experts, researchers, students, and engaged citizens. The conclave was divided into two major segments: a morning conference attended by around 100 participants. (HT) The day-long event aimed to promote dialogue, collaboration, and awareness around citizen-led scientific initiatives, both in India and globally. The conclave was divided into two major segments: a morning conference attended by around 100 participants, and an open Citizen Science Exhibition in the evening, which attracted over 200 visitors from Pune and beyond. Commenting on the same, Dr Priya Nagraj, CEO of PKC, said, 'With over 100 participants attending expert dialogue sessions, the event focused on key themes including technology in citizen science, sustainability and conservation, and community health and well-being.' The exhibition showcased a diverse array of presentations and exhibits spanning themes such as astronomy, biodiversity, ecology, public health, and game-based learning. Both local and international groups demonstrated innovative ways to involve citizens in data collection, scientific research, and social problem-solving. Activities included mapping local flora and fauna, testing the quality of water and milk, and using play-based models to explore complex social and environmental issues. The conclave featured international speakers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, and France, who shared insights into citizen science programs in their respective countries.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Self-caterers protest against being "scapegoated" by Perth and Kinross Council for housing crisis
A demonstration was held outside Perth and Kinross Council's headquarters as a part of a Scotland-wide campaign The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) has claimed its industry is being scapegoated by Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) and other governing bodies. On Friday, June 27, the group held a demonstration outside PKC's headquarters as part of a Scotland-wide campaign. The self-catering body believes blaming the self-catering sector for Scotland's housing emergency could spark a "crisis in Scottish tourism" and "risk hammering an £864 million self-catering sector that underpins Scottish tourism". An ASSC spokesperson said self-caterers had "become an easy target for lazy attempts to scapegoat the sector, rather than deal with the real issues at hand; utilising empty properties and building more affordable housing". The association said, in Perth and Kinross, self-catering properties account for 1.7 per cent of housing stock while 5.5 per cent of Perth and Kinross homes lie empty and inactive. The group argued it represents "hard-working legitimate local businesses" who "create jobs, support communities and welcome the world with affordable, flexible and quality stays". ASSC chief executive Fiona Campbell MBE said: "Hard-pressed self-catering operators will be experiencing more than a little sense of déjà vu as their sector is once again scapegoated for a shortage of homes. Recycling the same tired calls for even stricter controls on short-term lets, despite no evidence it will ease housing pressures, is regulatory overkill. They risk hammering an £864 million self-catering sector that underpins Scottish tourism. "Our message is clear: you won't solve a housing crisis by initiating a crisis in Scottish tourism by decimating local businesses underpinning local economies. Attention must shift to the real causes of the housing crisis and stop scapegoating self-catering." Earlier this year, on Wednesday, May 7, PKC's elected members voted by 24 votes to 14 to begin the process of introducing a short-term let planning control area for Highland and North Eastern Perthshire. Previously in August 2024 Perth and Kinross Council's (PKC) Economy and Infrastructure Committee narrowly voted against the proposal by a single vote. The paper put before councillors in May 2025 said research "identified STLs [short-term lets] as a contributor to housing pressure with the greatest impact in northern and eastern parts of Perth and Kinross" and said there was "limited land available to build more housing to address residential and demand from commercial STLs, in northern and eastern parts of Perth and Kinross". By February 2025, Perth and Kinross Council had granted 1699 licences for secondary short-term lets with the majority (49 per cent) in Highland Perthshire ward, 18 per cent in Greater Perth, 15 per cent in both Eastern and Strathearn and three per cent in Kinross, with numbers said to be increasing. A PKC spokesperson said: "Perth and Kinross Council agreed to carry out public consultation on proposals to introduce short-term let control areas in Highland Perthshire and the northern part of the Eastern housing area in May due to an increasing number of proposals for holiday rentals and the shortage of affordable homes in those areas. "The short-term let control area means owners who want to turn dwelling houses into holiday rentals now also need to get planning permission, as was already required for people who want to turn flats into short-term lets. It would not impact existing holiday rental properties. "The new rules will allow the public and elected members to have a greater say on whether they think the proposal is appropriate in those areas with the highest concentration of holiday rentals by considering the likely noise, impact on public services and amenities and effect on the overall character of a neighbourhood. "If the council decides to proceed with a short-term let control area it will need to be approved by the Scottish Government. "The higher concentration of holiday lets and second homes in these areas can reduce the availability of long-term rental housing and inflate property prices, making it harder for local residents to find homes. While we have not formally declared a housing emergency, we have developed a comprehensive action plan to address the housing pressures in Perth and Kinross. The core issue lies in the overall shortage of housing." The council said it was taking a number of steps to bring vacant homes back into use as well as building new affordable housing. The council spokesperson added: "To tackle this, the council has taken several proactive steps such as purchasing 134 properties from the open market, delivered 107 new-build homes in partnership with developers and housing associations, brought 23 long-term empty properties back into use and implemented a range of measures aimed at preventing homelessness wherever possible. "To further address the problem of empty homes, the council has increased council tax on second homes and is working closely with private landlords and homeowners to return vacant properties to active use."
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
First group of residents return home following fatal Perth blaze
Demolition work carried out allowed residents of 36 Scott Street to return to their homes on Thursday June 26. The first group of Scott Street residents displaced by the fire in a nearby tenement block have been able to return to their homes. The fire destroyed 41 Scott Street and ongoing demolition work means it is unsafe for other nearby residents and businesses to return to their homes and premises. However, progress on the demolition work allowed residents of 36 Scott Street to return to their homes on Thursday. PKC deputy leader, and councillor for the Perth City Centre ward, Eric Drysdale said: 'The fire at Scott Street was tragic and the consequences will be felt for a long time to come. One person died and others were injured while 55 households were displaced because of it. 'Council staff have been working hard to find accommodation for these people and demolition contractors Reigart have been striving to bring 41 Scott Street down to a safe level that will start allowing people to return to their homes. 'It is great that these efforts mean 15 households are now back in their homes. 'I am sure they felt a real mix of emotions and that is why the Red Cross had staff on hand to provide support to those who needed it on Thursday. 'I would like, once again, to thank everyone who has been working hard on behalf of those affected by the fire – whether they are frontline workers, partner agencies or the people and businesses who have shown such tremendous generosity and concern.' Tesco, Edinburgh Road, donated 15 bags of essential goods to families returning to their homes on Thursday while the Crieff Road branch has also donated vouchers. A host of other businesses including The Ship Inn and Willows have also made donations, while The Salutation Hotel has been providing accommodation for affected residents since the fire. A crowdfunder set up by Perth resident Nicola Bell has raised nearly £6,000. She will work with Perth and Kinross Council to distribute any funds raised. On Wednesday, Perth and Kinross Council agreed to provide an emergency £250,000 funding to support residents and businesses. The Scottish Government has agreed to open the Bellwin Scheme, which provides emergency funding to local authorities. Reigart Contracts Ltd have been working on the demolition of 41 Scott Street since the fire. The company has previously been responsible for dismantling damaged parts of the Mackintosh building after the Glasgow School of Art was damaged by fire. A spokesperson for the firm said: 'We're pleased to report that as of Thursday, June 26 2025, residents of 36 Scott Street have returned safely to their homes. 'This follows two weeks of continuous demolition and safety works in conjunction with G3 Consulting Engineers and Perth and Kinross Council. 'Our operatives will continue working on Saturday (and will return on Monday June 30) where the works to the South Street elevation will be our main focus.' Perth and Kinross also hosted two drop-in sessions, on Tuesday and Friday, at its offices at 2 High Street for those affected by the fire this week. Last Friday's event supported by Pete Wishart MP and John Swinney MSP focused on insurance. Senior representatives from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), AVIVA and Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) were in attendance. Mr Wishart said: 'This was a really constructive meeting. The sheer range of issues that people are experiencing as a result of the fire was apparent, and a testament to what a hugely complex situation this is. 'I am pleased that clarity was able to be provided on most questions raised. However, given how dynamic the operation is, there were also a number of points that require further consideration and discussion as we move forward. 'As such, all stakeholders have committed to working together within our various responsibilities in the months ahead, in order to deal with this as swiftly and effectively as possible, and to minimise the burden on impacted residents during this most difficult time. 'The whole of Perth has rallied together following this horrific incident to support those impacted. 'We must ensure that all insurance companies are assisting their customers in that same spirit, by handling their claims swiftly and compassionately.' Mr Swinney added: 'The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate direct dialogue between residents and businesses with the relevant authorities, and to help them navigate through the various hurdles they are encountering. 'A range of topics were discussed, with a particular focus on insurance, including insurers' responsibilities when handling claims, consumer rights, and other forms of support that can accessed. 'This will inevitably be a hugely challenging period ahead for those impacted, and I will therefore be working closely with stakeholders to make sure that my constituents are fully supported in overcoming the challenges they face.'
