Agenda Document Pack - Kinross-shire Committee - 17/09/2026
Perth and Kinross Council · 17 September 2026
Back to Kinross-shire Committee — 17 September 2026 and its agenda
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Ambition | Compassion | Integrity Our vision is for a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 11/09/2026 A hybrid meeting of the Kinross-shire Committee will be held in ICT Meeting Room, Loch Leven Community Campus on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 17:00. If you have any queries please contact Democratic Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Voting Members Councillor Dave Cuthbert, Perth and Kinross Council (Convener) Councillor Richard Watters, Perth and Kinross Council (Vice-Convener) Councillor Neil Freshwater, Perth and Kinross Council Councillor Willie Robertson, Perth and Kinross Council Non-Voting Members Milnathort & Orwell Community Council Fossoway Community Council Glenfarg Community Council Portmoak Community Council Kinross Community Council Cleish & Blairadam Community Council Page 1 of 10
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Kinross-shire Committee Thursday, 17 September 2026 AGENDA MEMBERS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO DECLARE ANY FINANCIAL OR NON-FINANCIAL INTEREST WHICH THEY MAY HAVE IN ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCILLORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF KINROSS-SHIRE COMMITTEE OF 14 MAY 2026 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 10 4 ROADS SAFETY UPDATE/ROADS MAINTENANCE UPDATE Verbal Update 5 X56 UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS Verbal Update/Presentation 6 LDP3 UPDATE Verbal Update 7 SOCIAL WELFARE Verbal Update 8 BLAIRINGONE PRIMARY SCHOOL UPDATE Verbal Update 9 SPEEDWATCH Verbal Update Page 3 of 10
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KINROSS-SHIRE COMMITTEE Minute of hybrid meeting of the Kinross-shire Committee held in Loch Leven Community Campus, Milnathort, on Thursday 14 May 2026 at 5.00pm. Present: Councillors D Cuthbert, R Watters, N Freshwater and W Robertson, L Hatch (Portmoak Community Council); D West and C Collins (Kinross Community Council) and M Ponton (Glenfarg Community Council). In Attendance:, K Easton, M Davies, N Sworowski, R Dobson (all Economy, Planning and Development), R Haynes, R Stewart, M Welch (all Environment and Infrastructure), A Brown and M Pasternak (both Legal and Governance). Also in Attendance: D Cairns (CATCH) Apology: Milnathort and Orwell Community Council; Cleish and Blairadam Community Council, Fossoway Community Council. Councillor D Cuthbert, Convener, Presiding. Convener led on Items 1-5, 7 and 10-12, and Vice-Convener led on Item 6 and 9. 1. Welcome and Apologies The Convener welcomed all present to the meeting and apology was noted as above. 2. Declarations of Interest There were no Declarations of Interest made in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. 3. Minute of Previous Meeting The minute of meeting of the Kinross-shire Committee of 19 February 2026 was submitted and approved as a correct record. Councillor R Watters provided a brief update on the Kinross Park & Ride, following decision made during the last meeting. The Committee agreed to vary order of business on the agenda. 3 Page 5 of 10
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4. Mobility Strategy There was a slide-based presentation by M Davies (Lead Officer – Mobility Strategy) on the Mobility Strategy, non-statutory framework, adopted in October 2024 guiding transport priorities across all models – road, bus and rail. An 18-months review of the strategy will be submitted to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 27 May 2026, seeking approval on progress update, revised action plan, introduction of a new monitoring and evaluation framework and commencing Perth Transport Future City Centre engagement. The presentation also included Councillor D Cuthbert referred to Perth Transport Future City Centre and asked whether a similar feasibility study would be undertaken for Kinross, to assess journey patterns and identify potential solutions. N Sworowski advised that town modelling work will provide detailed insight into transport issues. It is linked to Local Development Plan 3 to assess the impact of potential development sites, which could include Kinross area. M Davies added that Perth Transport Futures is intended as a first of similar studies across Perth and Kinross, so learning and best practice from Perth could be applied to other settlements such as Kinross, Blairgowrie and Crieff. Councillor W Robertson referred to recent introduction to 20mph limit and raised concerns that this limit may be increasing CO2 emissions and reducing air quality, particularly for combustion engine vehicles operating less efficiently at lower speeds. M Davies replied that air quality is more significantly influenced by overall traffic volume and building proximity to the roads, rather than speed alone. Increased CO2 emissions and reduced quality from 20mph limits are not supported by clear evidence. However, the limits deliver recognised health and safety benefits. Councillor R Watters referred to the existing model, which focused on vehicle movements, and he queried whether new modelling and survey work will include detailed analysis of park and ride usage. N Sworowski confirmed that survey data primarily aimed to understand how far users travel and when users travelled from before accessing the park and ride facilities. She also acknowledged that park and ride provision in Kinross likely influences travel behaviour, with a higher proportion of people travelling to Kinross as a result. Councillor D Cuthbert raised a question whether diversion of traffic away from Perth city centre and shopping areas could negatively impact footfall, potentially leading to further decline in retail activity. K Easton advised that multiple factors are contributing to reduced city centre performance, including the rise of online shopping. The Council is undertaking initiatives to improve footfall in Perth, such as events and enhancing city centre’s appearance, and if successful it could be implemented across other towns. N Sworowski confirmed that proposals will be subject to extensive consultation with local businesses and residents, recognising their sensitivity to changes that may affect their operations. Page 6 of 10
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Councillor W Robertson raised a question regarding progress on plans for an integrated transport hub in Perth, combining rail and bus services. M Davies confirmed that progress is being made toward an integrated transport hub in Perth. The programme is now moving into design phase, with funding required to be spent by 2030, which sets the delivery timeline for the project. Members thanked M Davies for the presentation and noted the content. 5. Briefing on Speedwatch There was a verbal update by M Ponton on progress with the Speedwatch initiative. Invitation letters have been issued to all Community Councils to establish single points of contact and encourage participation, with a limited response to date. It was noted that Glenfarg Community Council has purchased a speed indicator device to support local efforts. Certain roads in the area have been repeatedly identified as priorities for action. A call was made for other CC to engage with the scheme, so it could move forward and become operational. Members thanked M Ponton for the update. 6. CATCH There was a slide-based presentation by D Cairns on Climate Action Through Community Heating project, a community-led initiative exploring a district heating network for Kinross and Milnathort. The project aims to address decarbonisation, reduce energy costs and tackle fuel poverty. The presentation highlighted main environmental challenges, followed by proposed two phase solution and benefits. C Collins raised a question how community owned energy scheme like this could benefit from a partnership with land developer proposing new housing. D Cairns explained that while land developer has an interest in a local site, the land is not currently allocated for housing. He mentioned potential opportunities, such as possible sale, lease of land, however no formal requirements exist for the utilisation of the land. Members thanked D Cairns for his presentation and noted the content. 7. Update on LDP 3 N Sworowski, Place Strategies Manager and Chief Planning Officer, provided a verbal update on progress of Local Development Plan 3. An evidence report was submitted to the Scottish Government but was deemed insufficient, with further information requested, particularly on school capacity. The updated report was resubmitted in February 2026, and a decision is currently awaited. Work is ongoing, including studies and assessments on transport, greenbelt, open space, retail, housing need and demand, and environmental impacts. Page 7 of 10
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Councillor W Robertson raised concerns that Kinross-shire has experienced a significant housing growth beyond allocations in LDP2, leading to pressure on local services. He asked whether this population increase is reflected in current planning calculations. N Sworowski acknowledged the concerns about housing growth in some areas and confirmed that this is taken into account in current planning considerations. D West asked whether settlement boundaries are likely to be revised as part of LDP3, particularly in relation to supporting the development of 20-minute neighbourhoods. N Sworowski advised that settlement boundaries will be adjusted where necessary to accommodate new allocations, but changes will not be made without justification. She noted that some boundaries defined in LDP2 may no longer be appropriate, and any specific concerns can be reviewed. Members thanked N Sworowski for the update. 8. Estates and Commercial Update There was a slide-based presentation by R Dobson, Estates and Commercial Investment - Physical Infrastructure Project Manager, outlining the strategic case and progress of the Commercial Property Investment Programme, including the development of the Kinross (North West) Business Park. The programme addresses a market gap in the provision of modern business space, where strong demand is not met. Several plots have been successfully developed, supporting local business expansion and job creation. A further development is in progress with construction expected to begin in August 2027. The initiative aims to strengthen the local economy, improve business resilience and increase investor confidence in Kinross as business location. Councillor W Robertson raised a query about potential to replicate similar small- scale commercial developments in rural villages, such as Glenfarg or Fossoway, to support local businesses and retain employment withing smaller communities. R Dobson responded that while larger settlements such as Kinross or Blairgowrie will accommodate more substantial developments, smaller villages may be considered for limited provision (on or two units). Delivery will depend on site availability. Councillor R Watters asked whether renewable energy measures are being incorporated into the sites to enhance their attractiveness and sustainability for small businesses. R Dobson advised that while Passive House standards are not considered appropriate for industrial units, the development will still aim for high energy performance, targeting top EPC ratings. Members thanked R Dobson for the update and noted the content of presentation. Page 8 of 10
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9. South Kinross Flood Defence Update R Stewart provided a verbal update on South Kinross Flood Defence, design completed in late 2023 and published in March 2024. Due to two objections from landowners a local hearing led by independent reporter took place which resulted in in approval of the scheme in March 2026. The project is now progressing, with ongoing discussions with affected landowners to address access issues. The intention is to finalise the outline design and seek final approval by Perth and Kinross Council in September 2026, followed by detailed design through to early 2027, with is expected to take approximately 12 months. Councillor D Cuthbert raised a query regarding implications for of the proposed flood defence scheme for the BCA site, whether the works will provide protection to the site and enable future development. R Haynes responded that the primary purpose of the flood protection scheme is to meet policy requirements (NPF4) and reduce flood risk, rather than to enable development. He confirmed that engagement with interested parties has been undertaken on a non-preferential basis, as enabling development is not an objective of the project. Councillor W Robertson provided positive feedback on the impact of flood prevention in Milnathort, and raised a query regarding the South Queich and ongoing changes to its course and bank erosion near the loch, and whether this presents a future challenge for the proposed scheme, given difficulty in controlling natural water movements. R Stewart responded that flood prevention scheme extends only as far as the area around Todd & Duncan and the former BCA car park. Areas further downstream fall outside the scope of the scheme due to environmental constraints. There are no significant built receptors beyond this point requiring full scheme protection, however key buildings within nature reserve are being provided with property-level protection measures. Members thanked R Stewart and R Haynes for the update. 10. Road Safety/Active Travel Update There was a written update circulated to all members by M Welch, Project Officer, Traffic and Road Safety. Councillor D Cuthbert raised that a petition has been received from residents requesting speed mitigation measures on Montgomery Street. He queried officer’s input to assess the proposal and provide advice. M Welch advised that a speed monitoring survey can be undertaken to establish whether speeding is an issue. He also offered that officers could meet with local residents on site to discuss potential options and agree appropriate solutions. ~~~~~~ Page 9 of 10
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