A Perth company says it is ”dismayed” to find its proposals for holiday chalets next to Perth Airport are being recommended for refusal.
Morris Leslie Ltd wants to build 52 chalets and a toddlers’ play area on the site at Perth Aerodrome but the proposals which the firm claims would generate £2.6 million into the local economy have been recommended for refusal by local authority development quality manager Nick Brian.
He says the plan is contrary to the council’s chalet policy.
The two-bedroom chalets on the 7.53-hectare site near the Perth to Forfar road would have a large open-plan lounge/dining/kitchen area. This is the second plan submitted by Morris Leslie. A previous proposal for 70 caravans was turned down by the council due to the local authority not supporting it under the chalet policy.
The firm claims there is overwhelming support for the plans from nearby residents and businesses. Support came from Scone and District Community Council along with 36 letters from residents.
An economic impact assessment commissioned by Morris Leslie says holidaymakers staying at the site would pump £2.6 million into the local economy each year, which in turn would create the equivalent of 26 full-time jobs.
Managing director Morris Leslie said Perth and Kinross Council’s planning policy presumes in favour of holiday chalet projects.
Perth Chamber of Commerce have given a view that, subject to meeting planning constraints, a properly scaled chalet development could be a welcome addition to tourism accommodation.
However, Mr Brian said he is recommending refusal of the plans, which will come before Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee on Wednesday.
He reports: ”The proposal is contrary to the council’s chalet policy as it doesn’t fulfil a demand for this type of tourist accommodation by virtue of its quality and the new recreational facilities associated with the development as an acceptable level has not been provided.
”Furthermore, the location of the development can’t be considered to relate to existing tourist facilities,” he said. ”The plan is contrary to the development plan and there are no material considerations to justify a departure.”