Approval for the demolition of a landmark Kinross-shire hotel has sparked fears that developers have been given the green light to let historic buildings fall into ruin for their own gain.
Perth and Kinross councillors agreed at a planning and development meeting on Wednesday to allow the former Lomond Country Inn at Kinnesswood to be demolished and a new residential property built in its place.
The former hotel, which is located in a conservation area, was purchased in 2013 and a planning application was approved three years later for the part demolition of the building, which would be converted into a residential home, the demolition of outbuildings and the erection of four houses.
However no work was ever carried out on the former hotel, which has now fallen into a state of neglect.
Kinross-shire Independent councillor Michael Barnacle quizzed agent Roy Mitchell, speaking on behalf of developers Lime Blue Designed Build, about why there had been no attempts to save the original building.
Councillor Barnacle said: “In October 2016 this committee approved part demolition of the hotel and also the erection of four houses that was against the wishes of the four elected member (for Kinross-shire) at the time – and a considerable part of the community.
“Why has it taken you since then to come forward with this next proposal?
“And it’s also thought that you have allowed the building to fall into disrepair.”
He added: “I appreciate that where we are now the demolition should be approved but I would like to make a comment, because it has been put to me by the community, that should we approve the application it gives a green light for any developer to purchase these old building, let time pass and then replace them with new builds.”
Mr Mitchell defended the developers by saying it was only after gaining permission in 2016 that they realised that the building was “structurally and economically unviable”.
The agent said: “Unfortunately after we obtained our permission we had to look at how, from a demolition process, to take down part of the exterior structure and then when we were looking at the structure as a whole it was unsafe.”
Kinross-shire Civic Trust, who objected to the demolition of the building and application for a new build property, were “greatly concerned” after planning permission was passed by councillors.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: “The existing original building is prominent within the conservation area.
“An opportunity to restore this neglected property was an option and we understand a committed developer could have achieved this more satisfactory outcome.
“However, once again, a key building of character will be lost to this community and in our opinion the replacement which has been approved will do nothing to enhance the character of the conservation area.”
