A plan aimed at providing affordable housing for “last-time buyers” in Highland Perthshire could inject around £16.5 million into the local economy, it has been claimed.
D Menzies & Partners, owners of the Mains of Taymouth Estate in Kenmore, have submitted a formal planning application for a new 38-home country lodge development on a disused quarry site.
The developers feel the project will “complement” the existing Mains of Taymouth Country estate and golf course and provide a “high quality” mixed provision of rental and residential lodge accommodation, designed specifically for the “last-time buyer”.
The proposed site is in the grounds of the 160-acre estate, and the proposal includes the restoration of Rustic Lodge an A-listed landmark historical building overlooking the development site.
Robin Menzies told The Courier the development will provide a massive boost for the local economy.
“We’ve had an economic impact study carried out and this development should bring £16.5 million to the regional and local economy,” he said. “There will around 38 dwellings affordable houses for the last-time buyer.
“These could be people who are wishing to move from an urban area to a rural area.”
He continued: “People are living longer these days and this will provide the opportunity for those aged 60 and above to downsize.
“Mains of Taymouth has been in the Menzies family since 1922 and we remain committed to supporting Perthshire and our local community.
“This new lodge development offers excellent social and economic opportunities for Kenmore and the surrounding area, while transforming a redundant quarry site.”
Mr Menzies said the lodges would meet demand the area for affordable houses for the “last-time buyers”.
He added: “This application has taken over 16 months of planning, which has involved a full environmental statement and extensive consultation. We are grateful to Perth and Kinross Council, the local community and stakeholders for their feedback and support throughout the process.
“We strive to preserve the wellbeing and appearance of Kenmore and are confident that our plans will benefit the area, transform a redundant site and provide a further asset to Highland Perthshire.
“The estate is grateful to have good, local neighbours who have been supportive of the business over the years.
“We would encourage people to continue to contact us throughout the planning process if they are interested to learn more about our plans as we go through the planning process.”