The battle for Pitlochry town centre continues after a new report detailing apparent problems with the controversial development was submitted to planning chiefs.
In a last-ditch attempt to have their objections on the Atholl Road plans noted, members of Pitlochry Conservation Society have commissioned the latest document.
Among their arguments against Upland Developments’ plans for a mixed retail, residential and hotel development are what they consider to be design flaws and a failure to engage with the community.
The dossier, by Neil Simpson Architects in Edinburgh, also dismisses an attempt by the Aviemore firm to accede to pressure and create a town square area as “poor.”
Mr Simpson said, “The applications include proposals which will redefine the town centre of Pitlochry and therefore require especial scrutiny and consideration. The addition of a new civic space in these proposals should not in itself be an argument for approval.”
He added, “Both the quality of the open space and the new buildings which enclose it are poor and there is a real danger of permanent damage to the historic environment of Pitlochry.
“The society’s objection focused on issues of design because Scottish planning policy states that design alone is a valid ground for refusa the society highlighted the inadequate analysis of the town centre leading to an insensitive and overdeveloped proposal at the heart of the Pitlochry conservation area.”
Using drawings from the application, the architects have set out to show how the proposal for a retail, residential and hotel development would actually look.
According to these images the “poor positioning” of apartments and shops could lead to the Old Mill Hotel suffering reduced footfall and pedestrians having to walk further to “isolated” retail units.
The front of the proposed budget hotel also came under criticism for being “hard to find.”
The report adds that Perth and Kinross Council has not engaged with the community.
Formed last June, the conservation society has spent a year trying to convince Upland Developments to radically alter its plans.
Members even pledged their own money to pay for graduates from the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow to create their own vision for the Victorian town.
However their methods have not won universal approval and the society has been accused of nimbyism and driving out members of Pitlochry and Moulin Community Council, which disbanded this year.
However the group is still urging residents to work together to find a solution.
Chairman James Tyrrell said, “The townspeople have already spent £4000 in trying to stop this monstrous overdevelopment and it very well may happen if we do not continue to show an united front.
“The town is in favour of development, but not at the cost of every local shopkeeper, accommodation provider and the certainty that Pitlochry’s unique character will be lost forever.”