Long-established Blairgowrie business granted planning permission after previous application was refused

Long-Established Blairgowrie Business Granted Planning Permission After Previous Application Rejected

A Blairgowrie firm with a global reach has been given the green light to expand by adding an additional 581m² of warehouse space for storage. The A. Proctor Group sought approval from Perth and Kinross Council to build a crucial extension to its Dunkeld Road facility, ensuring the company’s competitiveness and presence in the Perthshire town. The revised plans were presented to the council’s Planning and Placemaking Committee after the initial plans were turned down in November 2022.

The original extension plans, measuring 45m x 18m, were refused, leading to a reevaluation resulting in a scaled-down proposal of 44.7m x 13m. Despite seven objections raised by residents concerning the building’s proximity to neighbouring residential properties, owner and managing director Keira Proctor showcased the firm’s modified plans to the council committee. The Proctor family business, which has a long-standing history in Blairgowrie, transitioned from textile manufacturing to supplying insulation products in the 1960s.

Managing director Keira Proctor expressed the company’s commitment to local employment and growth, stating that the new building is essential to servicing and expanding their customer base both locally and internationally. Following concerns about the impact on neighbouring properties from the previous application’s rejection, the company engaged an independent surveyor to conduct a thorough daylight and sunlight assessment, surpassing the required standards with the new submission.

Council planners recommended the revised application for approval, noting that the smaller size and increased distance from residential properties made the proposal acceptable in terms of scale, form, and visual impact. Despite objections raised by some councillors, the majority supported a motion to approve the application, acknowledging the efforts made by the business to address previous concerns and uphold their presence in Perthshire and Blairgowrie.

In conclusion, the long-established Blairgowrie business has successfully navigated the planning process to secure permission for expansion, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to sustainable growth. The decision highlights the importance of balancing business development with community concerns and the significance of local businesses in driving economic progress in the region.

(insights and summary)
This article highlights the journey of a longstanding family business in Blairgowrie seeking planning permission for an extension to support its growth and sustainability. Despite initial setbacks, the company’s persistence and willingness to address concerns led to a successful outcome. It emphasises the importance of collaboration between businesses and local authorities to achieve mutually beneficial results for the community and economic development.