Hotel wants more room for its staff

Nov 17 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DETAILED plans for much-needed staff accommodation at a Highland Perthshire timeshare development could get the go-ahead from councillors tomorrow – at the second time of asking.

The Moness House Hotel and Country Club in Aberfeldy wants the green light to erect a 1.5-storey block providing five single and 10 twin bedrooms, six communal shower rooms and a communal lounge/dining area.

Seven car parking spaces would be provided on the proposed site, which is to be set back from Moness Avenue.

A clearing would be formed in existing woodland to accommodate the project but existing trees to the east would be retained.

Plans for a similar accommodation block were rejected in October of last year as they were deemed to be contrary to the Development Plan.

The site was located on an area zoned for open space and no justification had been provided to depart from that.

The latest planning bid now includes a justification statement for a departure from the Development Plan.

“The applicant’s agent has stated that there is a specific requirement for staff accommodation on site as obtaining local staff is proving difficult due to the lack of accommodation available,” explains the council’s development quality manager, Nick Brian.

“They also state that providing accommodation for immigrant staff is essential for the successful operation of the hotel.”

A woodland survey and tree assessment also provided “further justification” to support the proposal – and the removal of some of the trees.

The woodland does provide habitat for various protected species, including red squirrels and birds and a search for red squirrel dreys would need to be carried out prior to any work starting.

“The management plan of the remainder of the woodland is considered to improve the habitat for various species on the remainder of the woodland and allow for those species to move from the existing poorly maintained and overgrown area into a properly managed area, with better opportunity for habitat provision,” adds Mr Brian.

He concludes in his report: “The information submitted by the applicant’s agent is considered sufficient to justify a departure from the Highland Area Local Plan.

“I recommend approval for the erection of this much-needed staff accommodation building on an area zoned for open space.

“The reasons for refusal of the previous application regarding parking, trees and natural heritage have all be addressed as part of this submission.”

The application will be considered at a meeting of the council’s development control committee tomorrow morning.