New Group formed to protect the Braes of the Carse of Gowrie

Nov. 21, 2009 - PRLog -- The BCCG intends to engage in initiatives that enhance the local environment and was formed in response to widespread concern felt by many inhabitants of the small hamlets and villages within the Braes of the Carse as to the future development of this very special part of rural Perthshire.  The Group will protect the heritage, environment and communities by sharing information on proposed developments and conservation matters, and intends to comment formally to Perth and Kinross Council on long term structure plans for the areas and on major or controversial developments (see www.BraesoftheCarse.org).  

Membership of the BCCG is open to anyone who lives and/or works within the Braes of the Carse and the Management Committee presently comprises 13 members.  To ensure a wide representation of views, it includes representatives from each of the 6 main hamlet groupings within the Braes of the Carse (the villages of Pitroddie/Kilspindie, Rait, Kinnaird/Westown, Ballindean/Craigdallie, Abernyte/Baledgarno and Knapp).  

“As the Group formed only recently we were unable to provide our comments to Perth & Kinross Council regarding the Local Development Plan during the Pre- Main Issues Report consultation period,” commented Eddie Anderson, Chair of the Group.  “We do feel, however, that it is vitally important to have the views of our community heard in the Local Development Plan process.  To this end we will be writing in more detail to the Local Development Plan Team so that our comments can be taken into account during the preparation of the Main Issues Report, and after it has been produced.  Our wish is to protect the unique nature and character of the Braes communities.  We are certainly not against appropriate development.”  

The Group was formally launched on 21st November 2009 and the management committee is now actively communicating its message to the people living/working in the area.  A member of the management committee, Nick Guest, is now sitting on the Inchture Community Council with responsibility for rural planning matters.

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The objectives of the BCCG are:
(a) to protect, conserve and enhance the character and amenity of the environment and community of the Braes of the Carse with specific reference to the nature of the existing landscape.
(b) to ensure that the historical and environmental heritage of the area is protected and enhanced.
(c) to ensure that any development is appropriate to its surroundings and that its character or appearance preserves or enhances the area. To ensure that any development is not to the detriment of local amenities, habitats and species of conservation value.
(d) to enhance opportunities for access and countryside recreation insofar as these are otherwise in accordance with the general objects.
(e) to make a positive contribution to the quality of life enjoyed by the community in the Braes of the Carse.
(f) to work with all appropriate planning authorities to ensure that objects (a) to (e) are adequately reflected in the policies and plans for the Braes of the Carse.