One of the world’s top hotels has claimed its guests could be disrupted by hearing loud rock music from the main stage of T in the Park.
Gleneagles Hotel home to numerous film stars and celebrities – has lodged an official objection to T in the Park’s proposed new site at Strathallan Castle Estate, citing a plethora of concerns, including possible anti-social behaviour from revellers.
The prestigious five-star Perthshire hotel has also claimed there may be problems caused by ‘satellite’ campsites for people going to T in the Park.
However, Gleneagles Hotel reserved their main complaint for the possibility of hearing music from T in the Park’s main stage, which they say will face the hotel.
A letter submitted to the local authority as part of the planning process by Colliers International – on behalf of Gleneagles Hotel – outlines their objection and states they have “real concerns” regarding the audible noise levels from the main stage, because it’s “understood” this stage faces the hotel.
The letter states: “On a clear still day, noise from the Balado T in the Park festival site is clearly audible at the hotel. Given the distance involved to the Strathallan site, it is questioned why other receptors such as the hotel and locations within the village were not included in the noise assessment.
“The main event arena lies to the southern section of the application site, which is in closest proximity to the hotel. As a direct consequence it is strongly suggested that to omit the hotel as a noise sensitive receptor is a flawed approach.”
Colliers also contend that pedestrian traffic has not been addressed in the environmental statement, and because of this, Gleneagles Hotel have concerns about the “ability” of their guests to enjoy their time at the hotel “without being subject” to anti-social behaviour.
They also list the “strong likelihood” of satellite camping sites being built near the festival site.
The letter adds: “Such campsites typically fail to benefit from any kind of formal security or policing, therefore issues of noise, nuisance, pollution and safety are a genuine concern for residents and businesses alike.”
And Gleneagles Hotel also raise concerns of coaches and campervans will all travel by the hotel.
“It is astonishing that our client has not been asked to engage with the multi-agency traffic and transport subgroup’ set up as part of the application process,” Colliers state.
“No cognisance has been taken of the time taken to journey to and from the site, and the traffic backlog stationary vehicles will create not only on the road network but also on the wider area.”
The letter describes Gleneagles Hotel as “one of the most prestigious” hotels in Scotland, “world famous” for its tranquil location, stunning setting” and “sheer” five-star luxury quality. It states it is home to three championship golf courses, an award-winning spa and an “exhilarating” array of outdoor activities.
A spokesperson for T in the Park said: “We’ve been in regular dialogue with senior management at Gleneagles. We know that they are looking for further information and we’re already in discussion to provide them with some clarification.
“Their points are noted but we are confident that T in the Park will not impact on the day to day running of the hotel.”
She added: “We’re currently in the middle of the consultation period for the planning application to allow T in the Park to move to Strathallan Castle. Any individual, organisation or group can give feedback making this an extremely robust and open process.”