Conservation Area Appraisals for Birnam, Dunkeld, and Spittalfield

Perth and Kinross Council

Dunkeld and Birnam District Community Development Trust

All local planning authorities have a duty under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 ‘…to formulate and publish, from time to time, proposals for the preservation and enhancement of any parts of their district which are conservation areas…’ Perth and Kinross Council is currently seeking views on three draft conservation area appraisals: for Birnam, Dunkeld, and Spittalfield.

The Council is required by law to protect conservation areas from development which would be detrimental to their character, and a conservation area appraisal for each of the three areas has been prepared as a management tool that identifies the special interest and changing needs of the conservation area.

The conservation area appraisal is intended to be a guide to the history, architecture and character of the area, providing guidance for making sympathetic changes in the area. We draw your attention particularly to the draft Article 4 Direction in the conservation area appraisals, which proposes additional categories of development to be brought under planning management.

This consultation is for residents and landowners in the three areas to provide valuable insight into their special character, and in the case of Spittalfield to seek views on the proposed boundary revision.

You may view and obtain copies of the three draft conservation area appraisals either:

• online at consult.pkc.gov.uk or

• by visiting our office at Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth between 8.45am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday (except for the first Thursday in every month when the office opens at 11.00am).

You may comment on the draft conservation area appraisals online at consult.pkc.gov.uk, or alternatively by email to DevelopmentManagement@pkc.gov.uk, or by posting comments to our office at the above address. The last date for making comments is 22 September. All comments received by this date will be taken into consideration before finalising the draft appraisals. A report will then be prepared for consideration of the conservation area appraisals by the Council. Any agreed changes will be publicised locally and nationally, and Scottish Ministers will be notified. It is intended to finalise these conservation area appraisals by Spring 2026.

If you would like to meet us in person and give us your views on the three draft conservation area appraisals, Council officers will be holding a drop-in event on Tuesday 2 September between 2.00 and 7.30 pm at Birnam Arts and Café, Station Road Birnam PH8 0DS.