Kenmore Hotel development plans approved by council committee

May 14 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SCOTTISH Ministers will rule on controversial plans to extend the Kenmore Hotel after a majority vote by councillors approved the application against the advice of planning officers.

The application now goes to the Scottish Government because it attracted objections from national bodies SEPA and SNH.

Plans submitted for the prominent, B-Listed hotel and its riverside grounds at the picture-postcard Loch Tay-side setting include the erection of 30 apartments and 24 hotel suites, plus new hotel facilities, demolition of two existing suites and erection of four houses, all for holiday use.

Perth and Kinross Council’s development quality manager Nick Brian reported to development control committee members: “I have significant concerns regarding the density, mass and scale of this development and the impact it will have on listed buildings within the site, on the setting of the Grade A-Listed Kenmore Bridge and on the character and appearance of the Kenmore Outstanding Conservation Area.”

He highlighted specific points “of key concern” as the potential impact of a new apartment block with underground car park adjacent to the hotel’s West House, describing it as “at odds with the townscape in its scale and proportions”.

Concerns

Scathingly reporting on plans for the river-front detached holiday houses, he informed councillors: “In my view the introduction of such a significant level of built form within this wooded area will significantly alter the visual aspect of the river bank and detrimentally affect views.

“I also have significant concerns regarding built development in this location and the likely detrimental impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring dwellings, and the potential flood risk.”

But after listening to a deputation from the applicant’s architect Eric Strickland, some councillors placed an emphasis on the economic benefits of developing the hotel.

Mr Strickland said the £17million plan would change “a tired, basic three-star hotel into a modern and luxurious four-star one”, bringing high-spenders to the area.

He said the visual impact of the development would be minimal, with the local area and Scotland benefiting.

Mr Strickland said the hotel was currently unviable and faced huge running costs along with an outlay of just under £½million for roof repairs.

He suggested a compromise could be reached by removing the four holiday houses and ground-level car parking elements from the plan, but councillors were advised by their legal officer that such changes could not be made to the application.

Development control convener Willie Wilson moved refusal in line with the planning officer’s report, commenting: “I support development of Kenmore Hotel but I do not think the applicant can come to committee with last-minute offers.

“I would hope the applicant will re-engage early with planning officers and other agencies so they can come back with an alternative application.”

Councillor John Kellas moved approval, stressing the value of the Kenmore Hotel to the local economy.

The committee voted 8-4 in favour of approving the application.