Temporary caravan at Equine Unlimited Dungarthill, Dunkeld

The site

The site covers about 12 hectares of countryside with woodland, grazing fields, paddocks, buildings and the caravan.

“Perth and Kinross Council Planning and Placemaking Committee - 11 February 2026 Report of Handling by Development Management and Building Standards Service Manager (Report No. 26/41) Proposal:Siting of caravan for a temporary period (in retrospect) Location:Equine Unlimited, Dungarthill, Dunkeld, PH8 0JF Ref.”

“3.The land previously formed part of the original policies of Dungarthill House and is set in a picturesque countryside location to the north of the River Tay and it’s Special Area of Conservation, approximately midway between the settlements of Dunkeld and Caputh. 4.Access is via the private shared track that links onto the A984 public road which is set at a lower level that the site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended an 18-month extension because more time was needed to develop a permanent dwelling proposal and support the business.

“Principle 35.The principle of the business development as exists on site, has been established via the previous consent - 21/00700/FLL, which acknowledged the equestrian use is ideally compatible with a rural location. The assessment in this instance is therefore solely focused on the continued acceptability of the caravan remaining in-situ, to allow the applicant to live on-site for a further temporary period of time.”

“38.Given the background circumstances it is not unreasonable to provide some degree of flexibility as a final opportunity to positively move matters forward for the benefit of the operator and wider area. The proposal is accordingly recommended for approval for a further period of 18 months.”

Officer report

Design and impacts

The caravan was considered visually limited and acceptable in landscape, residential amenity, access, drainage and biodiversity terms despite its dated appearance and greater exposure.

“Design, Layout & Visual Amenity 40.Circumstances have not changed since the previous assessment. It is the same, 2 bed caravan unit which remains on site, albeit in the stipulated relocated and less intrusive position, to the southeast of the access point, set back approximately 18 metres from the Core Path.”

“47.As no change has occurred, the proposal remains limited in landscape impact and complies with Policy 39 of LDP2 as well as NPF4 Policy 4: Natural Places. Furthermore it is expected that a comprehensive, site wide, native landscaping plan/framework could be developed as a requirement of any future house proposal. This will help to integrate the development into the wider landscape and provide shelter and screening opportunities.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Scottish Water, transportation, flooding and environmental health consultees raised no objections, subject to advice and keeping the core path open.

“National Roads Development Guide 2014 26.This document supports Designing Streets and expands on its principles and is the technical advice that should be followed in designing and approving of all streets including parking provision. Consultations 27.As part of the planning application process the following bodies were consulted: External 28.Scottish Water - no objections raised, informative added.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A statement on behalf of objectors was read to the committee, and the applicant addressed members and answered their questions.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission until 31 August 2027, requiring removal of the caravan afterwards and protection of the core path.

“25/00725/FLL - Siting of caravan for a temporary period (in retrospect), Equine Unlimited, Dungarthill, Dunkeld, PH8 0JF (Report No. 26/41) A statement on behalf of objectors was read by [name withheld], clerk to the committee. The applicant, addressed the committee, and answered members questions. Resolved: Grant, subject to the following terms, conditions and informatives: Conditions 1.The caravan is approved for a temporary period only until 31 August 2027.”

“Reason - In view of the temporary nature of the caravan and to enable the Planning Authority to review the circumstances pertaining to the proposal within a reasonable period of time. 2.The core path which forms part of the access track to the site must not be obstructed during building works or on completion. Any damage done to the core path and associated signage during building works shall be made good before occupation of the dwellinghouse.”

Minutes