Planning submitted for Perth eco-town

The John Dewar Lamberkin Trust has submitted a full planning application for its proposed mixed-use sustainable expansion to the city of Perth.

Described as Scotland’s ‘largest carbon-neutral development’, the Perth West project includes plans for a national innovation business park, 1,500 homes, leisure and educational provision supported by a smart energy grid.

The scheme will be a major boost to Perth’s ambition to become the most sustainable small city in Europe and will have a transformative effect on the economy of Scotland.

A mobility hub will host parking and car sharing facilities, electric charging points for cars and bikes, a medical centre and a bus service as well as connecting Perth West into the Perth city centre network.

Alexander Dewar, of the John Dewar Lamberkin Trust, said: “This is the culmination of eight years of planning and collaborative research to support the growth of Perth through investment in infrastructure and land that enables climate change adaptation, skilled employment opportunities and public amenities for the city and region.

“As a consequence of the COVID-19 crisis we must urgently rebuild our economy and create jobs, but in a manner that addresses the graver challenge of climate change. The Scottish government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. We should take the initiative now and invest in the green economy which will address both issues. Evidence from the recession of 2008 shows that green stimulus policies proved more effective to economic recovery than traditional approaches.”