Trustees of Aberfeldy Development Trust have become aware of comments circulating within our local community expressing dissatisfaction with our non-attendance at the most recent Aberfeldy Community Council meeting held on 5th May 2026.
We would like to make it clear that we approached the Aberfeldy Community Council and asked on no-less than 3 occasions that we attend the meeting and that we bring our professional advisors including; architects, road engineers and Communities Housing Trust who are experts on developing affordable housing in rural areas. On each occasion the Trustees were discouraged from bringing forward their advisors. Some members of Aberfeldy Community Council then went on to have a site meeting. Objectors to the Corran Réile development were present. ADT was not invited to attend any of these meetings and were unaware they were happening.
The Trustees of ADT feel strongly that this decision not to have our advisors present at the meeting on 5th May has let down our community by not giving them full access to the facts. The assumption that the Development Trust “… didn’t bother to turn up” is wrong. At no point has the Community Council acknowledged or made clear to anyone that we did offer to come along. Below is an excerpt of the advice we were given from the Chair of the Community Council
“I’m just sending a brief follow up. We are looking to attend the June 2nd Aberfeldy Community Council meeting with the experts advising ADT, they will be able to answer questions on the technical aspects which as Trustees we weren’t able to. Attendees would be John Forbes from Communities Housing Trust and the roads engineer from HGA Group who are the consulting Engineers working on the project and ourselves.”
(Aberfeldy Development Trust)
“Personally, I would question whether having the “experts” attending will help matters, and may well be counter productive at this stage. We understand what the concerns are, and will look at the documentation when it comes out, A couple of us will likely go down to get a feel for things. Whatever view we come to, the planning committee will be advised by its technical advisors anyway, and will be able to advise on the strength of any comments that come forwards”
(Comment from Chair of Aberfeldy Community Council)
In addition to the above concerns the Trustees would like to clarify some other misapprehensions being put forward:
Access to the A827: There will be no vehicular access to the A827 from Appin Place through the Corran Réile development.
Wildlife Survey: A full survey was completed and submitted with the Pre – Planning Application. Read report here: https://aberfeldydt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Corran-Reile-site-Preliminary-Ecological-Appraisal.pdf
Soil Contamination: A full soil survey was undertaken and submitted with the Pre-planning application. Read report here: https://aberfeldydt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Corran-Reile-site-contamination-summary.pdf
Flooding: A full flooding report was undertaken and submitted as part of the pre-planning application. A further updated survey has been completed in April 2026. Read updated report here: https://aberfeldydt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Corran-Reile-Flood-Risk-Assessment.pdf
SEPA: Were consulted and have not objected to the development at Corran Reille. Aberfeldy Development Trust welcome their input and will work towards implementing their recommendations.
These documents are all available to read on our website using the links above.
A full feasibility study was undertaken to determine whether the Corran Réile site was viable and safe. Whilst keen to develop affordable and secure community housing, Aberfeldy Development Trust would not have bought land that cannot ultimately be built on due to contamination or any other factors.
We very much welcome the support of our members who have already written supporting statements on the Perth and Kinross Council Planning Portal. If you would like to make a supporting comment, you have until Friday 22nd May to do so:
View and comment on planning applications – Perth & Kinross Council
The Trustees would like to thank our members for their continued support.
Your sincerely
Aberfeldy Development Trust.