Planners have put a red light recommendation on multi-million-pound proposals for an A90 roadside services development which includes a hotel and filling station.
The family firm behind the ambitious VisitScotland-backed development Mains of Luther, near Laurencekirk say their vision would bring almost 120 jobs to the area and inject as much as £3 million into the Mearns economy, annually.
Kincardine and Mearns councillors are being recommended by Aberdeenshire Council planning officials to block the permission in principle bid for the 13-acre development after raising concerns about access issues, its location and environmental impact.
The proposed site is on land adjacent to the Dundee to Aberdeen dual carriageway, just a few miles north of the border between Angus and Aberdeenshire, which the Robertson family has farmed for three generations.
In a report to Kincardine and Mearns area committee, planners have said while there is adequate access for cars stopping for fuel, the development would also pull in people seeking to use the various facilities on offer and that would require better access for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport.
They also suggest the site is not well-connected to any nearby town or village so would be dependent on motorists, which would have a negative impact on the environment.
However the applicant has argued plans for electric car charging points would help promote sustainable transport in the area.
Officers have also pointed out the site is not earmarked for development in the council’s local development plan.
The planning report states: “On balance, and having considered the potential economic and social benefits put forward by the applicant, this service does not consider these to have sufficient weight to set aside the numerous local development plan policies to which the proposal fails to comply with.”
Calli Hopkinson, owner of Luther Farm Services Ltd, said: “An independent economic impact assessment has concluded that this development is in line with national and regional economic strategies and could deliver around 100 new jobs and over £3million to the local economy each year.
“We’re very disappointed to note that the recommendation to the Kincardine and Mearns committee is one of refusal but hope that the committee is able to recognise the unique local and regional benefits that this project will create for south Aberdeenshire.
“The decision on May 15 will determine what happens next, but we are very much looking forward to being able to progress the development and bring this exciting project to life.”
