Background
About the Local Place Plan
A Local Place Plan (LPP) is a community-led document that sets out a spatial vision, priorities and policy proposals for an area. It is taken into account by Perth and Kinross Council when making planning decisions and preparing the next Local Development Plan (LDP3).
The Plan draws on extensive community engagement through the Kinross Community Action Plan (CAP), coordinated by a Steering Group including Kinross Community Council, Kinross‑shire Partnership, KLEO, the Kinross Centre, CHAS, Broke Not Broken, KYTHE, Kinross‑shire Civic Trust, Greener Kinross‑shire and volunteers.
Planning Context
Why This Plan Is Needed
Kinross has experienced significant growth in recent years — growth that has outpaced what was planned for in the previous Local Development Plan. This has placed pressure on infrastructure, services, and the natural environment.
The demographic profile of the town is also changing, with residents aged 65 and over now making up 26% of the population and the working-age population declining to 56%. Almost all recent housing has been built on prime agricultural land. The community is calling for this growth to be recognised in future planning, and for a period of consolidation rather than further expansion.
For LDP purposes, Kinross and Milnathort are treated as a tier-two settlement. The two communities seek to maintain clear separation and distinct identities — and housing development in Milnathort directly affects Kinross.
Long-Term Vision
The Community's Vision for Kinross
The community's long-term vision is for Kinross to remain a compact, distinctive and sustainable market town — one that balances the needs of residents with the protection of its natural environment and heritage.
Limited Growth & Consolidation
Following rapid development exceeding previous allocations, the community calls for a period of consolidation. No further large-scale greenfield growth is supported, particularly west of the M90.
Environmental Stewardship
Loch Leven is an internationally important natural asset. A precautionary approach should be applied to all development within its catchment, particularly regarding phosphorus loading and climate risks.
Sustainability & Low-Carbon Living
Compact, walkable neighbourhoods supported by active travel infrastructure and the Loch Leven Heritage Trail should reduce car reliance and improve health and wellbeing.
Vibrant Town Centre
Future development should prioritise regeneration and reuse of existing buildings. The community supports a vibrant High Street, with the former BCA site safeguarded for employment, retail and visitor uses.
Infrastructure First
Development should only proceed where healthcare, childcare, wastewater, transport and community infrastructure capacity can be demonstrated in advance.
Agricultural Land Protection
Prime agricultural land surrounding Kinross is a valued asset. As almost all recent housing development has been on such land, strong protection is essential going forward.
Planning Policies
The Six Local Place Plan Policies
The Plan sets out six spatial policies intended to guide future planning decisions and inform Perth and Kinross Council's preparation of LDP3. These policies reflect the priorities expressed by the community during engagement.
Settlement Consolidation
Housing development that would extend Kinross beyond its existing settlement boundary — including expansion west of the M90 — is not supported. Development should consolidate within the settlement, prioritising regeneration, reuse and infrastructure-first delivery.
ConsolidationInfrastructure First / Future-Proofing
Land required to meet future education, health, childcare, community, retail and civic needs should be safeguarded from residential development. Development should not proceed unless infrastructure capacity can be demonstrated.
SafeguardingLoch Leven Catchment Protection
Development proposals must demonstrate that there is no risk to the ecological integrity of Loch Leven, and must apply a precautionary approach to cumulative impacts. The loch holds SSSI and SAC status.
EnvironmentFormer BCA Site
The former BCA site — Kinross's last significant brownfield opportunity within the settlement envelope — should be safeguarded for employment, retail and visitor-related uses. It must not be developed for housing.
SafeguardingProtection of Prime Agricultural Land
Prime agricultural land surrounding Kinross should be protected from development, consistent with NPF4 Policy 5 and Scottish Government guidance on food security.
ProtectionLandscape & Settlement Setting
Development that would reduce the physical or visual separation between Kinross and Milnathort is not supported. A formal settlement gap should be designated to prevent coalescence and protect the distinct character of both communities.
ProtectionKey Priorities
Infrastructure Priorities
The community has identified a number of infrastructure pressures that must be addressed before any further significant development is permitted. These are central to the Plan's Infrastructure First approach.
Primary Healthcare
A growing and ageing population continues to add pressure on the current health centre. No logical alternative site exists within the settlement boundary, making land safeguarding critical.
Wastewater & Drainage
The Victorian main drain is under increasing strain. Climate change is raising peak flows, with a rise in untreated sewage being released into Loch Leven. Upgrades are urgently needed.
Active Travel & Road Safety
The Park and Ride is approaching capacity. Gaps remain in the path network. The M90 diversion route through Kinross and Milnathort requires upgrading as traffic levels increase.
Community Facilities
Pressure on halls and meeting spaces remains high. Priorities include Leisure Centre upgrades, an all-weather sports pitch, Myre Park masterplanning, and improved access to the Campus.
Your View Matters
Have Your Say
We want to hear from you. Please answer the questions below about the Kinross Local Place Plan. All responses will be saved directly to a secure spreadsheet managed by Kinross Community Council.
Thank you for your response!
Your feedback has been recorded in the Kinross Community Council spreadsheet.
All responses will be carefully considered as part of the Local Place Plan process.
Process
Consultation Timeline
The Local Place Plan will be considered by Perth and Kinross Council in the preparation of LDP3.