The demolition of a former hotel in Kinross has begun, despite a formal complaint by the local Civic Trust.
The razing of the Windlestrae Hotel is due to commence on March 2. However, dozens of trees have already been ripped from the grounds as developers prepare to build a 41-home retirement village on the site.
Plans for the scheme were green-lit by Perth and Kinross Council last month despite objections from the local community council, Kinross-shire Civic Trust (KCT) and more than 20 individual residents.
Protesters were concerned about the loss of 50 mature trees from the site, particularly a sycamore that has a British standard category A rating.
There were also fears about the impact on services in the area, including the GP surgery.
Kinross-shire Civic Trust filed a formal complaint with Perth and Kinross Council after the plans were approved, pointing out what it believed were inaccuracies in the authority’s reports relating to the site.
Despite the objection, dozens of trees have already been removed from the grounds and nearby residents have been informed that the demolition work on the hotel will commence on Monday.
Kinross-shire Civic Trust said it was unsatisfied with the council’s response and has asked for the complaints process to be escalated.
A spokesperson said: “Kinross-shire Civic Trust are greatly concerned at the manner in which this planning application was processed and believe we have identified several significant failings of due process by Perth and Kinross Council.
“KCT has lodged a formal complaint and have received an initial stage 1 response.
“KCT is not content with the unsatisfactory response to our complaint and will now be escalating this to a stage 2 complaint for further investigation.
“The destruction and loss of trees along with disregard for the protection of wildlife habitat is most alarming,” said the spokesperson.
“The encroachment of development into the Market Park will result in a further loss of amenity. This unique setting is an irreplaceable and important part of the identity of Kinross which contributes greatly to the Kinross Conservation Area.
“This decision by Perth and Kinross Council for yet more houses on a constrained site is further compounding the negative impact on amenity and services of recent large scale developments in the area.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said:  “We note the comments of the Kinross-shire Civic Trust and have responded directly to them.”
