Temporary residential caravan at Land 250 Metres North Of The Farmhouse Easter Muirhead Farm Blairingone Dollar

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective temporary siting of a residential caravan, which had been on site since 16 March 2025.

“Perth and Kinross Council Planning and Placemaking Committee - 15 April 2026 Report of Handling by Development Management and Building Standards Service Manager (Report No. 26/92) Proposal:Siting of residential caravan (for a temporary period) (in retrospect) Location:Land 250 Metres North of The Farmhouse, Easter Muirhead Farm, Blairingone, Dollar, FK14 7ND Ref.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and enforcement

An earlier caravan proposal was refused, while the access track and stables were later approved; enforcement action followed the unauthorised caravan.

“The access track was the subject of a previous enforcement case (23/00041/ALUNDV) and subsequent planning application (24/00974/FLL). 3.Planning application 24/00974/FLL for the formation of an access track, erection of stables and associated works (in part retrospect) was approved 2 October 2024. The approved development was for a small-scale livery business to run alongside stables for the applicant’s horses.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval until 31 March 2028 because supporting information demonstrated an essential need to live on site for a new rural business.

“This sets out the financial health of the business, its short-term outlook and how the business plans to grow on site over a 5-year period. A supporting statement (05) demonstrates the need to be on site for the welfare of the horses and this is supplemented by a letter from a vet (06).”

“42.NPF4 Policy 17 a) criterion v) allows rural housing where it is demonstrated to be necessary to support the sustainable management of a viable rural business or croft, and there is an essential need for a worker (including those taking majority control of a farm business) to live permanently at or near their place of work.”

Officer report

Concerns from local people

Seven representations raised concerns about the caravan’s need, private water supply, septic drainage, generator noise, appearance, land use and safety.

“The main issues raised within the representations are: • No justification for siting a caravan • Water Supply – impact on private supply • No septic tank • Noise from a generator on site • Out of character with the area • Adverse effect on visual amenity • Inappropriate land use • Safety Risk – SGN infrastructure • Not a legitimate business operating on site and no residential need demonstrated. 36.These issues are addressed in the Appraisal section of the report.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the applicant addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission with conditions and informatives, finding the proposal consistent with the Development Plan and no material reason to depart from it.

“Conditions 1. The caravan is approved for a temporary period only until 31 March 2028. Upon expiry of this temporary period the caravan shall be removed from the site and the site returned to its original condition to the satisfaction of the Council as Planning Authority. 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.”

“Justification The proposal is in accordance with the Development Plan and there are no material reasons which justify departing from the Development Plan.”

Minutes