The economic impact of a £17 million Perthshire hotel development outweighed the negative aspects of the development, councillors have concluded.
Despite fears that the scale of the proposal 54 additional rooms plus four holiday houses at the Kenmore Hotel would diminish the attractions of the conservation village, the development control committee voted by eight to four to approve the application before them.
However, as existing issues remain outstanding with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage over the plan, it will need to be referred to Scottish ministers for their consideration.
The council’s planning officers had been adamant that despite extensive negotiations with the applicants, the development was not suitable in its present form.
Recommending refusal, development quality manager Nick Brian said the boost to the economy was not of greater importance than the detrimental impact on the character of the picturesque village.
“Whilst the introduction of a larger and improved tourist facility to this Highland Perthshire location are welcomed and in general supported by the development plan, this should not be to the detriment of the character and visual amenity of the conservation area, to the detriment of the setting of the listed buildings in the area and therefore to the detriment of the very character and appearance which leads to this being a popular tourist destination,” he said.Over-development”The applicant has been given every opportunity to address the council’s concerns regarding over-development and reduce his aspirations for the site to a more reasonable level but has chosen not to do so.”
Agent for the applicant, Eric Strickland, told the committee the very viability of the B-listed hotel rested on being allowed to expand.
He said the owner spent £130,000 on maintenance last year and nearly £500,000 will be required to replace the hotel roof within the next two years.
Currently employing around 39 staff some seasonal he estimated that if the project were given the go ahead it would create 28 further full-time jobs.
Mr Strickland said that they would be prepared to amend the application to drop the four houses which would have been sited on the river edge on stilts to meet various concerns and to do away with parking on The Square in Kenmore to allay traffic fears.
Councillors were told it was not competent to drop certain elements at this stage and the choice was between approval or refusal of the application as it was placed before them.
Kenmore is also in line for a new and improved sailing hub after extensive plans were given the go-ahead.
The existing buildings at Loch Tay Boating Centre in Kenmore will be demolished and replaced with a larger structure incorporating a water sports facility and yacht club with a restaurant and bar.