Spotlight returns to Taymouth Castle

Jun 21 2011 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE long-running Taymouth Castle redevelopment saga enters another phase tomorrow at the development control committee meeting of Perth and Kinross Council.

Three copious papers relating to the Kenmore landmark and its 173 hectare estate will go under members’ scrutiny, with each item recommended for approval by the council’s development quality manager Nick Brian.

Earlier this century ambitious plans to create a six-star international resort at Taymouth Castle floundered but last year another developer came forward with similar proposals for the castle and estate.

Now after months of intensive behind-the-scenes work between applicant, council and statutory bodies, these plans face decision-day tomorrow.

The weightiest matter seeks planning consent to build 71 estate properties, change the house type for 89 estate properties, relocate 14 estate properties, form spa facilities, erect a restaurant and a bridge and alter the golf course. There are also revised proposals within the east wing of category A-Listed castle to form a health and beauty spa, 14 apartment suites and form a hotel suite, plus install an external lift access in the west wing of the castle.

Also before the committee tomorrow will be a Listed Building Consent application relating to the east and west wings of the 500-year-old castle and an application to delete two conditions of the 2003 planning consent relating to occupation of the time-share properties, lodges and staff accommodation.

Mr Brian’s reports to committee chronicle concerns, objections and comments. He then goes on to detail reasons why the applications should be approved, and he recommends a raft of conditions be imposed.

Issues raised by objectors include the impact of the development on the setting of listed buildings, over-development, impact on ecology and natural heritage and the design of the proposed new estate properties.

Mr Brian’s extensive report includes measures to mitigate effects of the development on the local red squirrel, bat and otter populations, and looks at the need for the retention and enhancement of public access to the estate grounds.

He also recommends that strict conditions regarding tree protection and working practices form part of any consent given to ensure all contractors on site are aware of the importance of trees.

The planning chief concludes: “There is a mutual desire to see this development get under way as quickly as reasonably possible. This has meant a number of issues remain unresolved but I am confident these can be addressed by conditions.

“It is considered that this tourism-based development is a key development for Highland Perthshire and Scotland and it has been demonstrated that the proposal will provide significant investment to the area.

“The development of the site will also ensure the appropriate and successful re-use and restoration of the Category A listed Taymouth Castle. The new operator is also required to comply with the conditions of the previous consent regarding the upgrade and re-use of other listed buildings and structures within the estate.”

The developers have indicated that, if planning consent is given tomorrow, their target for completion is November 2014.

Back to the drawing board: Ambitious plans to create a six-star international resort at Taymouth Castle floundered but last year another developer came forward with similar proposals.