A £15 million redevelopment at a Perthshire hotel could have a “devastating” impact on the area’s green spaces, according to a campaign group.
The Save Murrayshall Greenbelt action group are objecting to expansion plans at Murrayshall Country House Hotel and Golf Course in Scone.
Up to 50 new bedrooms, a spa and leisure facility and a golf academy are on the cards, along with 40 lodges, glamping pods and hillside tree houses.
Meanwhile, the hotel says it is determined to ensure the safety of the natural area while also creating more than 250 jobs for the area.
Greenbelt ‘under threat’
While campaigners acknowledge the plans could create jobs, they insist nearby rural roads are not suitable for increased volumes of traffic.
A Save Murrayshall Greenbelt spokesman said: “We welcome major investment in the hotel and golf courses at Murrayshall – and the jobs that will bring.
“But, alarmingly, the greenbelt is under threat from what adds up to a major housing development in the hotel grounds.
“It would have a devastating impact if the council departed from its long-standing policy protecting the countryside between Perth and Scone.
“Anyone who knows this area will tell you the winding rural access road to Murrayshall simply isn’t suitable for the additional volume of traffic the housing aspect would generate.”
Impact on amenities
Objectors to the plans have also expressed concerns over the impact of new housing on health facilities and Scone’s Robert Douglas Memorial School.
The spokesman added: “We aren’t opposed to the plans to enhance the hotel experience and make it a destination resort.
“But this shouldn’t be at the expense of valued greenbelt and the amenity of locals and the many visitors who enjoy the natural environment and wildlife in an area of outstanding beauty.
“We have a responsibility to protect this environment for future generations.”
‘Commercial interest’
In response to the group’s concerns, Murrayshall says it is committed to caring for the local environment, with their application complying with relevant policies.
General Manager Gary Silcock said: “We are happy this group welcomes such a major investment and is not opposed to Murrayshall becoming an important destination, with all the benefits that will bring for the local economy, including the creation of more than 250 Full Time Equivalent jobs.
Its natural amenities and splendid views are among our prime attractions.”
Gary Silcock
“The Murrayshall Estate has been caring for the local environment for 400 years and we share our neighbours’ determination to ensure it remains an area of outstanding beauty.
“Indeed, it is in our commercial interest to do so because its natural amenities and splendid views are among our prime attractions.
“Our application complies with relevant policies of the local development plan.”
He added: “Murrayshall needs to expand and diversify in order to meet our goal of providing the top class facilities increasingly being demanded by visitors to Perth and Perthshire as well as the local population.
“This will also allow us to extend the season for tourists who also spend money in many other local establishments.
“As with all our facilities, the residential housing will fit into low density design set within the estate while further enhancing the walks trail, protecting wildlife and providing safe access for visitors to enjoy this wonderful part of Scotland.”
Views ‘taken into account’
Perth and Kinross Council says any views put forward on the plans will be considered.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The planning application relating to redevelopment at Murrayshall is currently pending determination.
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“The views expressed in representations received on these proposals will be taken in to account as part of the determination process.
“This process will include consideration against all relevant development plan policies.”
Murrayshall Hotel has been approached for comment on the objections.