Perth & Kinross Council has granted planning permission in principle for a site near the village of Kirkmichael.

The application, submitted by GD Planning on behalf of developers Mr Darge and Mr Lockley, was approved by the council’s planning and placemaking committee despite receiving formal objections from local households.

Located south of Strathardle Lodge, north of the B950, and to the east of the A924, the development site lies within the established settlement boundary - an important factor in securing support at committee level.

While the council’s transportation and development team did not formally object to the application, their input signals that key infrastructure considerations will need to be addressed during the detailed planning phase. Lachlan Maclean, lead officer for transportation and development, highlighted several requirements likely to be imposed at the next stage, including pedestrian links to accommodate school transport, fully formed access points, and bus stops on both sides of the adjacent road. A 43-metre visibility splay across the site frontage will also be necessary to meet safety standards.

Although the exact number of units proposed has not yet been disclosed, planning officer Paul Williamson indicated that any forthcoming design would need to reflect the local character and density to align with council expectations.

Committee convener Ian Massie led the motion to approve the application, with support from Bailie Claire McLaren, who commented: “It’s rural housing—something we need more of.”

Not all councillors were in agreement. Councillor Bob Brawn, representing Blairgowrie and Glens, raised concerns about access and visual impact at the village entrance, pointing out that previous iterations of the proposal had included up to five homes. Despite his motion for refusal, he ultimately accepted legal advice that the application met local planning policy and fell within the settlement boundary.