Perth and Kinross Council gives green light for latest Taymouth Castle plans

Jun 24 2011 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A GLOBAL tourist Mecca or a tourist ghetto?

These were the two opposing views on the future impact of the multi-million pound resort development at Taymouth Castle Estate at Kenmore and other tourism-related developments in the Highland Perthshire beautyspot.

The convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee, Willie Wilson, predicted the proposals for an exclusive, world-class hotel and golf resort would contribute to the creation of a “tourist Mecca”.

But Kenmore and District Community Council chairman James Millar said he believed that the over-provision of holiday accommodation within a three-mile radius of Kenmore would see “this beautiful area become a tourist ghetto”.

After lengthy submissions, debate and deliberations, the 12 members of the influential committee voted by majority for developer Meteor’s plans.

They encompass the erection of 160 estate properties, spa facilities, a restaurant, bridge, equestrian centre and golf clubhouse, plus alterations to the golf course, a health and beauty spa, 14 apartment suites and a hotel suite.

Consent

The committee, however, did vote to exclude four new houses planned for an area between the castle and River Tay.

The planning consent allows the long-running Taymouth Castle redevelopment saga to enter another phase after its previous owners failed to bring their up-market resort plans to fruition.

A spokesman for Meteor outlined to the committee the commitment to Taymouth through the millions already invested to restore some of the castle’s impressive principal rooms to their former grandeur.

He stressed the Taymouth Castle resort would place Perthshire at the heart of international tourism for many years to come including maximising the opportunity presented by the Ryder Cup in 2014.

Concerns from community representatives included over-development of the estate grounds, possible adverse impact on the landscape from the Aberfeldy road, no provision for staff accommodation, the lack of a bond to safeguard the castle’s restoration and the lack of benefits to the local community.

Welcoming consent, Meteor’s development manager Martin Mortimer said: “We are already in advanced negotiations with leading hotel operators and the world’s top spa company, and we also already have significant interest in the estate properties from potential buyers from around the world.

“Work can now start on the next – and more significant – phase of works.

“This will include construction of the first phase of estate properties for sale, the conversion of the east wing of the castle into hotel accommodation and a pamper spa, completion of the estate footpath network and the construction of new holes to extend the historic James Braid designed golf course to championship standards.

“The restoration and conversion of the castle is a key priority for us and we anticipate that it will be ready to open as a luxury boutique hotel by late 2012.”

A total of 160 estate properties will ultimately be built on the 450-acre estate. The luxury private residences are expected to have price tags of between £600,000 and £1m.

Meteor pledged to implement measures to protect the estate’s flora and fauna during the build period and into the future, and “maintain and significantly enhance” public access to and through the estate.