FORMER PROVOST Alex Murray was celebrating yesterday after councillors backed his plans for an innovative “eco-village” in Highland Perthshire.

While sympathetic, planning officials regarded the site at Camserney Farm, Camserney, near Aberfeldy, as unsuitable for the “green” tourist attraction.

However, members of the council’s development control committee were won over by the groundbreaking scheme and voted by eight votes to five to support the plan.

“I am absolutely delighted by the decision,” said Mr Murray.

“I thought the planning department was taking a Rip Van Winkle approach and that we would be left behind.

“I am glad that the councillors took the bull by the horns—I won’t let people down with this development.”

The eco-village, which it has been pledged will be 100% carbon neutral, involves building seven holiday chalets, a manager’s house, a community building and an office.

According to Mr Murray the aim is to provide 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.

“Visitors will be able to participate in environmental conservation work—species surveys, bio-diversity, enhancement projects, repairing and building paths, gardening and tree planting,” say developers.

“The project has exceptional green credentials. Nothing of similar nature or quality exists in the area.

“The lodge accommodation will be as good or better than anything available, will be well- integrated within a landscape framework, not visible from the public road, and integrated with substantial new quality planting.

“The project meets the demand for all-year round higher quality holiday accommodation that Perthshire Tourist Board recognises is needed in the area.

“At present there is no purpose-designed eco- holiday accommodation in the Highland area.”

There will be a community hub building comprising an all-weather 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 and fuelled by on-site renewable energy from a bio-mass boiler fuelled with wood from the farm.

Objectors claimed that far from being eco-friendly the construction of the lodges would disrupt local wildlife.

Councillor Eleanor Howie moved approval with various conditions including ensuring safe road access and moving the drainage system away from the nearest house, a stance backed by the committee.