Secrecy ends ‘exciting’ plan for Killin visitor centre

Jul 8 2008 by Jenny Wood

PLANS for an environmental visitor centre in Highland Perthshire have been knocked back because those behind the proposal weren’t prepared to divulge their detailed plans.

Belinda Allen, speaking on behalf of the family behind the proposal, at the council’s development control committee outlined the proposal for Morenish farm near Killin.

But despite several requests, the family would not show the council their business plan.

Members of the council’s development committee admitted the centre, planned just miles from the National Trust of Scotland’s own at Ben Lawers, sounded “exciting”, but with no documents to back things up councillors felt they had little choice but to knock back the proposal.

In his report for the committee Nick Brian, Perth and Kinross Council’s development quality manager, explained: “The applicant was asked to submit a business plan for the proposed development to demonstrate the long-term viability of the proposal.

“The applicant was asked to provide this information in a letter dated 9 November, 2007.”

But he continued:” However I am yet to receive a business plan for the proposal.

“Having now discussed this with the applicant directly he has indicated he is unwilling to submit the business plan for the development at this time due to unforeseen difficulties and concerns regarding the confidentiality of any submitted document.

“Despite assurances regarding the confidentiality of this document from me, the applicant chose not to submit the business plan.”