Local residents welcome T in the Park arrival

More than half of local residents back T in the Park moving to Strathallan Castle, according to a poll commissioned by festival organisers.

Fan Phoebe Inglis-Holmes jumps for joy at T in the Park's new home. Picture: Contributed

The Survation poll of 1,009 adults in Perth and Kinross found that 62 per cent believe a planning application for Scotland’s biggest music festival should be approved, compared to 19 per cent who are opposed and 19 per cent who don’t know.

Organisers DF Concerts want to move the event from its previous site at Balado due to safety concerns about the proximity of a large oil pipeline.

The discovery of osprey at Strathallan meant a formal planning application and environmental statement had to be submitted to Perth and Kinross Council.

Two public consultations on the application have also been held, with some environmental groups and local residents critical of the plans.

Planning authorities announced on 1 May they were backing the proposal for the festival at the 19th-century castle, with several restrictions, despite 1,626 letters and emails objecting, and 793 in favour. A further 1,922-signature petition backing the move was also submitted.

Supporters argue the show will bring millions of pounds to the local economy and that organisers DF Concerts have a long and competent history.

The owners of Strathallan Castle, near Auchterarder, have claimed vital improvements to secure the future of the structure would be possible with the financial windfall from hosting T in the Park. Last year, one of the buildings on the estate collapsed after storm damage.

Councillors now need to vote on the application tomorrow, but the results of a 21-day public consultation for a public entertainment licence will leave the decision to just days before the summer festival is to start.

Geoff Ellis, chief executive of DF Concerts, said: “This poll shows that the majority of local people welcome T in the Park and the benefits that it will bring to their communities – socially, culturally and economically.”

Despite the ongoing application, the line-up for the festival, held between 10 and 12 July, has been announced, with Kasabian, The Libertines, Twin Atlantic and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds named as some of the headline acts.

The council’s planning officer Nick Brian, who recommended councillors approve the plan, included conditions such as a new wildlife management plan being submitted and steps to monitor osprey nests. Fireworks would also be banned at the show.