Plans for new social housing in a Highland Perthshire town have been given the go-ahead, despite claims by a neighbouring hotelier that it could threaten the area’s “chocolate box” image.
Caledonia Housing Association has won planning consent for 12 affordable flats on land off Atholl Road, Pitlochry.
The three-storey block is earmarked for a one-acre plot that has lain empty for about 20 years.
However, the plans were criticised by bosses at Scotland’s Hotel, which sits on the edge of the site. In an objection letter lodged with Perth and Kinross Council, agents for the venue claimed the block of flats would cause a “loss of privacy” for guests.
A spokeswoman added: “As a result of the proximity, size and scale of the development, it would render the hotel spa facility an unattractive place to visit.”
She said: “My client’s hotel enjoys a southerly view to the mountains, which is the only good view from the hotel.
“No guest with the expectation of visiting Scotland would be happy with the view of a three-storey apartment block.”
The letter continued: “The hotel owners are intending to operate the Scotland’s Hotel as a four-star upmarket boutique hotel. This would be impossible if there was a large-scale development adjacent to the hotel, as this would turn the garden and car park into an overshadowed tunnel.”
Stressing that the hotel management is in favour of development and recognises the need for housing, the spokeswoman added: “Pitlochry is advertised around the world as a chocolate box village and the development is not in keeping with a village setting, which is so essential to tourism.”
The objection was dismissed in a report from the council’s planning department.
Officers calculated that there is a separation of about 21.5 metres between the hotel and the new flats, adding: “It is considered that the proposal would not result in a loss of privacy or loss of light.”
Plans for the site were originally lodged in February and attracted criticism from two other local hotels and community councillors. The slightly revised plan that drew less opposition was lodged earlier this summer.
The site was cleared in the late 1990s to make way for a planned expansion of Scotland’s Hotel which never happened. Two years ago, separate designs for flats at the site were approved for holiday firm Monument Leisure.
