Ambitious plans to breath new life into the site of a fire-ravaged Perthshire hotel have been scrapped by developers.
The £1.5 million bid for new holiday homes at the Spittal of Glenshee was unveiled last summer.
Project leaders, Glasgow-based consortium Yorsipp Ltd, said the scheme could attract around 50,000 extra visitors each year.
But the company has now withdrawn its application for planning consent, which was being scrutinised by the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
It followed concerns by bosses at Britian’s biggest national park that the 18 new cabins could have a significant impact on the park’s “collective aims”.
Despite repeated calls to Yorsipp and its agents, no one has been available to explain why the plan was withdrawn or if it could be revived in the future.
The plan involved demolishing the eyesore remains of the Spittal of Glenshee hotel, which was razed to the ground in a fire four years ago.
Local SNP councillor Tom McEwen said locals were frustrated with progress on the project but said he hoped it had not been abandoned completely.
“The proposed development of the Spittal of Glenshee has great importance for the overall growth and creation of new jobs in this very rural area of Perthshire,” he said.
“The frustrations I share with residents, the Glenshee and Strathardle Tourist Association and the Mount Blair Community Council at the slow progress of the development and the dilapidated condition the site has become, makes me concerned the owners have no real motivation to develop the site for the benefit of the local community but are solely motivated by profit from their purchase.”
Mr McEwan added: “Land ownership, especially in rural locations like this holds great responsibility to the community at large as this is a resource which forms a large part of the local infrastructure and if developed properly is an asset for both locals and tourists alike the fully length of the ward.
“I hope any delays are short term and the development of the Spittal can more forward more quickly as it is an important part of our past and future.”
Cairngorms planning chiefs called in the application in October. A spokeswoman confirmed the plans had been withdrawn.
Scottish Natural Heritage had objected to the project, saying developers had not provided enough information about the potential impact on fish and wildlife in the River Tay.
Perth and Kinross Council officers had also demanded a full flood risk assessment of the site.
Last year, a business plan commissioned by the Spittal of Glenshee community steering group said the holiday homes could generate £2 million for the Scottish economy each year.
