A community group is spearheading a campaign to save a second century Iron Age village from being “lost forever” if a proposed housing development in east Perthshire gets the green light.
In August, ambitious plans were submitted to build as many as 100 new homes on land 150 metres south of Station House on Meigle’s Forfar Road.
Developer Campion Homes Ltd’s proposal includes scope for 90 houses and 10 flats on the 5.63-hectare site.
A design and access statement compiled by Oliver and Robb Architects on behalf of the Fife-based applicant states the site is partially located on land allocated for housing within Perth and Kinross Council’s Local Development Plan.
However, Meigle and Ardler Community Development Trust is pleading with the council to reject the application to preserve a 5800sqm historic site on the western boundary of the application area.
Teaming up with AOC Archeology, archeologists have uncovered evidence of ancient underground tunnel storage, building structures, coins, jewellery and Iron Age tools.
Both held a successful open day at the site on Saturday, June 24, with locals of all ages given the chance to get a look at what once was the home of a community nearly 2000 years ago.
Spokespersons for the Meigle and Ardler Community Development Trust, Kevin Stirling and Bob Ellis, said: “We have a duty, as a community, to preserve and further explore this nationally important site for future generations.
“This is an important legacy which should be treasured.”
They added: “The site could be lost forever if a proposed 100 house development is given the green light by Perth and Kinross Council.
“This discovery has indicated that it contains all components of an Iron Age village which traded with the Romans.
“In excess of 100 residents and others visited the site last Saturday at an open day organised by AOC Archeology.
“The site has been declared as being of national importance.
“Meigle, as a renowned Pictish settlement and centre of culture, is a village of particular historic interest, with a museum housing a unique display of Pictish stones.
“Coins, jewellery, Iron Age tools, evidence of underground tunnel storage have already been found on the site.
“It has captured the public’s imagination as an important benefit to the local area.”
Thirty eight objections have been submitted to the council over the development plans, with chief concerns including the development turning the village “into a small town”.
One even said: “‘Greed’, ‘irresponsible’ and ‘disgraceful’ are the only ways to describe this shambolic project.”
Bruce Ramsay, a Forfar Road resident, wrote to the local authority, highlighting fears over future traffic congestion should the project come to pass.
In relation to the planning application, Campion Homes held two public consultation events in Meigle prior to its submission.
And in May, Campion Homes submitted a 14-page report detailing how it plans to carefully excavate and record any buried archaeological features at the historic site.
All works would be supervised by an archeological contractor to ensure no artefacts or findings are damaged, with soil samples also to be taken.
The report states: “The archaeological works will be conducted in accordance with the principles set out in Scottish Planning Policy (Scottish Government 2014) and Planning Advice Note 2/2011 (Scottish Government 2011) and in full regard to the archaeological recommendations set by Perth and Kinross Council.”
It adds: “The objective of the Phase Two archaeological works is to excavate and record buried archaeological features within an archaeologically sensitive zone concentrated along the western boundary of the development area.
“Phase Three will include suitable post-excavation analysis and publication of discovered archaeological remains, should the significance of the archaeological features unearthed warrant such works and if considered appropriate by Perth and Kinross Council.”
The report explains: “The objectives of the Phase Two excavation works are to excavate and record all previously identified features located within the defined area of archaeological sensitivity.
“The area surrounding these features will be reduced to natural subsoil in ascertaining the presence of further associated or other non-contemporaneous features.”
Campion adds that the programme of works will be undertaken if it “fully satisfies and meets the requirements” of the council, as advised by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT).
All works will adhere to the guidance and protocols of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.
The archaeological contractor will liaise with PKHT at all times to ensure members are aware of fieldwork dates and can schedule monitoring visits.
All machining will be carried out under direct control of an experienced archaeologist.
The report also states: “A programme of community involvement will be undertaken as an integral element of the archaeological works.
“Engagement provision as a minimum will comprise: liaison with the Meigle and Ardler Community Council and local councillors prior to the excavation explaining what’s happening, the archaeological process, excavation dates, Open Day, etc.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “As normal, Perth and Kinross Council has consulted Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust for expert advice on archaeological matters.
“Through the assessment of the planning application, archaeology will therefore be taken into consideration to ensure suitable mitigation is in place.
“A report will be going to the Planning and Placemaking Committee in due course which will highlight the suitability of the scheme.”
The next committee meets on July 12 but the application is not among the agenda items for discussion.
The fate of the application will, therefore, be discussed at a meeting in the coming months.
