Councillors have approved the building of luxury homes in the grounds of one of Perthshire’s most iconic estates.
The project at Taymouth Castle by Kenmore was expected to fall foul of planners on Wednesday, amid conservation concerns from Historic Scotland. But members of the development management committee voted 7-6 in favour of an amendment to approve the blueprint to build four high-end houses in the shadow of the A-listed building.
The company behind the ongoing multi-million-pound development of the Taymouth Castle estate said the properties are a ”key element” of the financial viability of the scheme. The designs were significantly altered to ensure they did not impact on the look of the tourist destination, following recommendations by officials last year.
Historic Scotland has identified the area to the west of the castle as part of the earliest formal planting feature on the site, dating back to the early 17th century. Two rows of lime trees echo the curve of the River Tay, which development quality manager Nick Brian said gave the location ”enormous historic, ecological and amenity value”.
”The erection of four units in this area was specifically not permitted as part of the previous approval due to the sensitivity of this part of the Historic Garden and Designed Landscape (HGDL),” he stated in his report to committee.
”There is concern that the development in this important and sensitive area of the HGDL will adversely affect the wider setting of the castle and the landscape character of this important part of the HGDL.
”It is my view that the exclusivity and commercial value of these four properties in the context of the entire site does not outweigh the important landscape value of this part of the site.”
At the meeting, consultants Neil Martin and Eric Strickland said the units would be well screened by existing and proposed landscaping.
Mr Strickland added: ”These homes are a strategic part of the operational viability of the hotel. They will be low, single-storey builds which start more than a metre lower than the original driveway.”
Recommending approval, Councillor John Kellas said: ”I think the further modifications are significant and if you take into account the car park and other proposed infrastructure already approved, the development won’t further disturb the site.”
Redevelopment of the estate includes the restoration of the castle to form a hotel and the construction of lodges, fractional ownership houses, spa facilities and alterations to the golf course.