Plans for a massive development on the outskirts of Perth could still become a reality after the new owners called for more time to take forward their proposals.
After previous owners Kilmartin Group went into receivership in April last year, the ambitious scheme for Cherrybank was taken on by London-based investment firm Hansteen Holdings.
They have signalled their intent to push ahead with the marketing of the multi-million-pound housing and hotel development.
However, as a local authority-imposed deadline on the start of work comes to pass, Hansteen have been forced to seek an extension to enable them to find someone who is willing to undertake the work needed to revitalise the area.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee will discuss the request at a meeting on Wednesday, with planners recommending that the application be granted.
In his report, development quality manager Nick Brian says: “The site has passed into different ownership from that of the original consent as a result of receivership, following the economic downturn.
“Since taking control, the current owners have continued to market the site on the basis of the outline consent in place.
“There have been no firm offers to date relating to the development of the site and the applicants now seek a variation of consent to facilitate an extension to time imposed, allowing them to continue to market the two large vacant plots for development.”
The first site, known as Cherrybank, contains the former headquarters of Bell’s Scotch Whisky and sits within landscaped grounds. Proposals include demolition of these buildings and creation of a 65-bedroom care home, 30 affordable homes and 92 private houses.
The second site, known as Pitheavlis, contains the former Aviva Training Centre and under the plans would be transformed into a 38-bedroom hotel, a restaurant, and a large office development.
Assurances have been given that Hansteen is not seeking to amend the original application in any way, other than to extend the timeframe.
Mr Brian adds: “The applicants’ agents have indicated that they wish for the condition to be varied to allow for a further three years to allow for the submission of reserved matters and five years in which the development to which the permission relates must commence.”
Mr Brian has also advised members of the development committee to allow the variation of one of the conditions.
He is seeking a further three years for the submission of all reserved matters on top of that already requested by Hansteen, giving the investment firm a total of six years to find a developer willing to commit to the Perth site.