Recent planning discussions across Perth and Kinross highlight a range of key developments shaping the region, from the complex demolition of a fire-damaged building in Perth city centre to new public art proposals and decisions impacting local tourism and community safety. These updates reflect the dynamic interplay between urban renewal, heritage preservation, and resident well-being.
A significant ongoing project in Perth involves the fire-stricken block of flats on Scott Street. Following a devastating blaze in June, which tragically claimed a life, the building was deemed structurally compromised. Emergency demolition commenced almost immediately to mitigate immediate public danger. However, the Perth and Kinross Council now requires formal listed building consent to continue with the remaining demolition work. Official statements indicate that the fire profoundly altered the building’s unique characteristics and historical value as a city-centre tenement. The extensive damage, including missing upper floors, a destroyed stair core, and unstable heat-damaged stonework, has fundamentally changed its architectural and historical integrity. Holiday Let Management in Huntingtower
In Huntingtower, the owners of a self-catering property on Speckle Park Road are taking proactive steps to address potential neighbour concerns. They have committed to strictly enforcing a 9 pm curfew for hot tub use, underscoring their dedication to maintaining residential peace within the community. The property, which already holds a short-term let license from Perth and Kinross Council, has reportedly been managed responsibly since May 2025, operating in full compliance with all licensing stipulations. The accommodation primarily caters to families and corporate visitors, with a notable long-term booking for Omexon engineers expected from January to June of the coming year. This commitment to noise control demonstrates a willingness to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the amenity of local residents. New Ceramic Artwork to Enrich Perth’s City Centre
Perth’s urban landscape is set to become more vibrant with a proposed series of ceramic artworks. The economic development department of Perth and Kinross Council is seeking approval for four distinctive art installations planned for Fleshers Vennel. This historic alleyway, connecting South Street and St John’s Place, is strategically chosen for its proximity to the new Perth Museum and its rich medieval history as a bustling market area where local ‘Fleshers’ (butchers) once plied their trade. The proposed artworks, designed as ceramic reliefs, will adorn the walls of buildings on the western side of Fleshers Vennel. Two installations will be placed directly within the Vennel, with another two sited on bricked-up window sections of properties at 21 Fleshers Vennel and 10 South St John’s Place. None of these specific buildings are listed, simplifying the approval process. The initiative aims to be both informative and aesthetically pleasing, using the traditional medium of ceramic tiles – historically common in butchers’ shops for hygiene and advertising – to narrate Perth’s past with engaging, decorative, and subtly humorous details for passers-by to discover. Dunkeld Road Guest House Conversion and Kinross Safety Concerns
Further developments include the successful conversion of a guest house on Perth’s Dunkeld Road into a private residential property. Scotia, a charming semi-detached Victorian house constructed from stone and slate, is conveniently located on the east side of Dunkeld Road, close to the city centre. Its recent change of ownership has prompted new residents to restore it to its original private home status, reflecting evolving property uses in the area.
Meanwhile, an application for a new vehicle access point on Kinross High Street has been refused on safety grounds. Kristian Smith, the Development Management and Building Standards Service Manager for Perth and Kinross Council, stated that allowing the drop kerb would not enhance the local area’s quality, nor would it contribute to a safe and well-connected pedestrian network. He emphasized that the proposed access would detrimentally impact the overall safety and amenity of the surrounding high street environment, highlighting the council’s commitment to prioritizing pedestrian safety in bustling community areas.
A significant ongoing project in Perth involves the fire-stricken block of flats on Scott Street. Following a devastating blaze in June, which tragically claimed a life, the building was deemed structurally compromised. Emergency demolition commenced almost immediately to mitigate immediate public danger. However, the Perth and Kinross Council now requires formal listed building consent to continue with the remaining demolition work. Official statements indicate that the fire profoundly altered the building’s unique characteristics and historical value as a city-centre tenement. The extensive damage, including missing upper floors, a destroyed stair core, and unstable heat-damaged stonework, has fundamentally changed its architectural and historical integrity. Holiday Let Management in Huntingtower
In Huntingtower, the owners of a self-catering property on Speckle Park Road are taking proactive steps to address potential neighbour concerns. They have committed to strictly enforcing a 9 pm curfew for hot tub use, underscoring their dedication to maintaining residential peace within the community. The property, which already holds a short-term let license from Perth and Kinross Council, has reportedly been managed responsibly since May 2025, operating in full compliance with all licensing stipulations. The accommodation primarily caters to families and corporate visitors, with a notable long-term booking for Omexon engineers expected from January to June of the coming year. This commitment to noise control demonstrates a willingness to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the amenity of local residents. New Ceramic Artwork to Enrich Perth’s City Centre
Perth’s urban landscape is set to become more vibrant with a proposed series of ceramic artworks. The economic development department of Perth and Kinross Council is seeking approval for four distinctive art installations planned for Fleshers Vennel. This historic alleyway, connecting South Street and St John’s Place, is strategically chosen for its proximity to the new Perth Museum and its rich medieval history as a bustling market area where local ‘Fleshers’ (butchers) once plied their trade. The proposed artworks, designed as ceramic reliefs, will adorn the walls of buildings on the western side of Fleshers Vennel. Two installations will be placed directly within the Vennel, with another two sited on bricked-up window sections of properties at 21 Fleshers Vennel and 10 South St John’s Place. None of these specific buildings are listed, simplifying the approval process. The initiative aims to be both informative and aesthetically pleasing, using the traditional medium of ceramic tiles – historically common in butchers’ shops for hygiene and advertising – to narrate Perth’s past with engaging, decorative, and subtly humorous details for passers-by to discover. Dunkeld Road Guest House Conversion and Kinross Safety Concerns
Further developments include the successful conversion of a guest house on Perth’s Dunkeld Road into a private residential property. Scotia, a charming semi-detached Victorian house constructed from stone and slate, is conveniently located on the east side of Dunkeld Road, close to the city centre. Its recent change of ownership has prompted new residents to restore it to its original private home status, reflecting evolving property uses in the area.
Meanwhile, an application for a new vehicle access point on Kinross High Street has been refused on safety grounds. Kristian Smith, the Development Management and Building Standards Service Manager for Perth and Kinross Council, stated that allowing the drop kerb would not enhance the local area’s quality, nor would it contribute to a safe and well-connected pedestrian network. He emphasized that the proposed access would detrimentally impact the overall safety and amenity of the surrounding high street environment, highlighting the council’s commitment to prioritizing pedestrian safety in bustling community areas.