By Richard Burdge

A HIGHLAND Perthshire plan for an “eco-village” which would satisfy a growing demand for environmentally responsible tourism has failed to win over planners.

While supporting the concept, they feel the proposed site is unsuitable for such a development.

The application, which will be considered by the council’s development control committee on Wednesday, is for a site to the north of Camserney Farm, Camserney, near Aberfeldy, which is used for grazing.

“The proposal involves the erection of seven holiday chalets, a manager’s house, a community building and an office,” says a report by Gordon McFarlane, development quality manager with Perth and Kinross Council.

“The aim is described as providing an exemplar in green tourism diversification for Perthshire with the project offering accommodation immediately accessible to hill walking, wildlife and opportunities to learn more about the environment.

“As well as the seven lodges it is proposed to provide a house for the site manager/events facilitator/environmental co-ordinator, a small office and a visitor interpretation centre for the small private hydro electric generation scheme which already exists at the site.

“There is new planting to the north of the site which will assist in providing a landscaped setting for the development. A path through the woodland will offer visitors direct access to the local path network.

“It is the intention that the site manager, along with the applicant, will take responsibility for the day-to- day running of the operations, which will include the accommodation needs of up to 40 residential visitors and perhaps 10-12 day visitors.

“There will be a community hub building comprising all weather multi-purpose games room and activity space which will also be available for seminars and lectures.”

Finished in timber, the intention is to source local materials for re-use in the construction of the lodges.

Thick wall and roof insulation will be provided by sheep’s wool and the buildings would be sited to maximise solar heat. The development is planned to be 100% carbon neutral and fuelled by on-site renewable energy from a bio-mass boiler fuelled with wood from the farm.

“I am satisfied that a great deal of effort has gone into the details to provide an ‘ecologically friendly’ development,” notes Mr McFarlane.

“Were the site in principle suitable for development, I would welcome the efforts in terms of sustainability.”

His recommendation to the development control committee is that they refuse the application as it is contrary to the development plan because of its proximity to Camserney village.