Councillors Barnacle and Robertson have raised concerns over the Scottish Government's forecast of 16% growth in population for Perth & Kinross over the next 20 years. Speaking during a debate on the Tayplan main issues, Councillor Barnacle described the 16% growth figure as "neither desirable nor sustainable". The meeting also discussed the findings of a report produced by the Dundee, Perth, Angus and North Fife Strategic Development Planning Authority, which stated that development driven by population growth would impact on the environment. The report also cautioned that over-development of rural settlements could undermine landscape quality and the traditional character of settlements.

Read more about the population growth debate (link to article on the Perthshire Advertiser website).