Contentious Perthshire Lodge plan rejected

Objectors win out despite business backing

Plans for 8 holiday lodges in Strathtay village in Highland Perthshire which gained the backing of local businesses have been kicked out.

A proposal by Pitcastle Estate to erect eight lodges in a conservation area in order to compensate for lost accommodation capacity locally, split opinion.

Businesses, such as the Inn on the Tay in Grandtully, were in favour of the plan, claiming it would provide much needed holiday accommodation, which had been dwindling in the area of late due to loss of BandBs.

Issues of siting

However, there were 41 objections to the plan, principally but not exclusively, focused on the siting of the lodges within the River Tay conservation area.

Archaeological potential at the site also led to conditions being applied by planners, in recommending the vision for approval, that a robust archaeological survey be carried out prior to any building commencing.

In the end, those conditions were immaterial as councillors voted to reject the plan 8 votes to 2.

Business case accepted by officials

Pitcastle Estate had revised its original plan, altering the design of the lodges to fit better with local character.

However, the final model was still rejected, opponents claiming it would ruin the character and appeal of the village.

Planning officers had recommended the single-storey, timber-clad lodges be accepted, claiming it would, ‘increase tourist footfall to the benefit of other local hospitality businesses and local shops.’

In support, it was stated there was no denying the project would have ‘a positive economic impact’.