Kinloch Rannoch residents hostile to Dall Estate plan

Nov 24 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

RESIDENTS have urged councillors to reject the planned creation of a ‘mini-Monaco’ in Highland Perthshire.

Concerned at an alleged lack of consultation by the developers, locals used a public meeting in Kinloch Rannoch to dissect controversial proposals for a £1.3billion members-only resort for the super-rich at Dall Estate.

Representatives of developer Malcolm Jones’ agents DPP were among around 100 people who attended the event, which was convened by Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart.

Planning officials from Perth and Kinross Council are set to defer a decision on the scheme, which centres on the former Rannoch School campus.

Experts wish to undertake further investigations into the resort’s potential environmental impact before reaching a conclusion on its merits.

Patrons would be asked to pay £2million up front to join as members, with annual dues costing them £500,000.

Overnight stays would be charged at £6000 to £14,000 per person.

Over 1000 objections to the proposals have been lodged with the council, with Dall Community Association spokesman Bob Benson insisting that many residents fear “imaginary economic benefits” may be prioritised over conservation concerns.

“If this scheme goes ahead in any form no part of Perthshire will be safe from developers, whatever environmental protection status such sites hold,” said Mr Benson yesterday.

“We now want the council to reject this scheme outright and not delay any further the misery for Rannoch people.

“It is scandalous that this proposal for the exclusive few should apparently still be kept alive for the sake of planning protocol, where the original submission has clearly been incompetent and not worthy of this beautiful area.”

Loch Rannoch Conservation Association chairman Leo Barclay also made clear his organisation’s concern at the plans.

“We are wholly opposed to a development which threatens the integrity of both the Black Wood of Rannoch and the purity and peace of Loch Rannoch with its unique habitat.”

“But we would be supportive of a more sensitive development which lies within environmental guidelines.”

Pete Wishart MP yesterday described the meeting as one of the largest of its kind ever held in the area.

“Where a small number of contributions did support the proposal, the vast majority were overwhelmingly opposed and the vote at the end of the meeting clearly demonstrated that the community remains hostile to a development on this scale.

“Concerns were raised about the impact on the local environment and the damage it would have on the unique nature of Rannoch.

“I was pleased that the developer’s agents decided to attend the meeting. They said that they would take back the community’s concerns, but they have their work cut out to even come close to addressing the many issues raised.’’