Murrayshall residents say plans to develop the area risk turning a Perth beauty spot into a “second-rate theme park”.
“Once built upon, this important green belt land will be lost forever,” says Philip Cooper.
Philip is among residents of a tiny hamlet at the centre of the plans who fear proposed homes, lodges and glamping pods would destroy the character of the estate.
Murrayshall Country Estate intends to submit fresh plans to expand the venue having withdrawn a previous £15 million proposal.
But residents say the revised £30m proposal is “worse than the previous scheme”.
Initial designs indicate it could include holiday lodges, glamping pods, outdoor pursuits, spa facilities and solar arrays.
Murrayshall general manager Gary Silcock says diversifying the estate would have “a positive effect on the local economy, generating significant inward investment and the creation of employment as well as job security for existing employees.”
The estate is currently home to a four star hotel, golf course and driving range.
‘Increased risk’ on roads
Philip says: “Regrettably this scheme appears to be worse than the previous scheme.
“It is vital to protect this environment for future generations.”
Residents we spoke to say protecting green belt land is their main concern.
They say the area supports protected species including red squirrels and pine martens.
And they say the Murrayshall plans would create more traffic on the single track Balcraig Road running past their homes.
“This will cause dangerous driving conditions,” says Philip.
“The increased risk not only to road users, but walkers, families with children, dog owners, cyclists and horse riders.”
Glamping not glamorous say residents
Initial drawings seen by residents indicate there are plans for 25 glamping pods and facilities for ‘outdoor pursuits’ near their houses.
Meanwhile, the hotel has proposed 40 self catering holiday lodges at a site including the existing driving range.
Philip describes the plans as “extremely oppressive” and says they would create “inevitable associated noise, light pollution and litter”.
He adds: “The extremely vague outline presented by the hotel falls short of quality development and resembles more of a second-rate theme park.”
However, Gary from Murrayshall says there has been “careful thought” over how to make the business sustainable for the future.
He argues: “The land identified for development is already in use.
“A full report on the viability of the plans has been instructed and will be available as part of any future planning application.”
So far the hotel has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice to Perth and Kinross Council.
“We will presenting updated proposals to the public during our second in-person consultation event on Tuesday January 31, 2023.
“We look forward to continuing positive engagement with local residents and stakeholders as we bring updated plans forward.
“The feedback we continue to obtain over the coming months will help to shape and inform the final proposals for the site.”
Conversation