Planners frown on Loch Rannoch millionaires' playground
A bid to create a "millionaires' playground" beside Loch Rannoch has failed to attract the backing of council planners.
Loch Rannoch and Schiehallion.
- By Alan Richardson
- Published in the Courier : 15.06.10
- Published online : 15.06.10 @ 01.27pm
The £1.3 billion scheme has become one of the most contentious applications in local planning history, with more than 1100 objections submitted to the local authority.
It could now fall at the first hurdle, when a full council meeting tomorrow will be told it should reject the plan, which sought to build golf courses, a luxury hotel and an underwater restaurant around the loch.
Developer and Dall Estate owner Malcolm James also wants a cosmetic surgery clinic, high-end shopping centre and almost 100 lochside houses on the site.
The resort would target the world's mega-rich — those with liquid assets of over £100 million — and demand a £2 million membership fee and £500,000 annual dues.
However, a report to the meeting by planning chief Nick Brian recommends the scheme be rejected as it is contrary to local and national planning guidelines.
He notes, "The application site is located in one of the most spectacular highland landscapes in Perth and Kinross.
"It is substantially unspoilt with little significant development having taken place.
"As can be seen from the comments lodged, the public perception is this wild, unspoilt and remote area is extremely important to many people, and a main reason why tourists visit this area year after year."
He says the proposal would have a "detrimental effect on the landscape character," and a "significantly detrimental effect on visual amenity," contrary to policy.
He says Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other watchdogs have criticised the proposal.
The main reason for allowing such a scheme-economic benefit-would also fail to accrue, according to Mr Brian.
He says the exclusivity of the complex means it would not attract tourists and it is unlikely staff could be locally sourced.
Pointing towards the nearby Taymouth Castle fiasco, its "economic viability" in the current climate is also questioned.
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