Council’s allowing rates relief at three derelict buildings

Two derelict Coupar Angus hotels and a disused Blairgowrie church have been listed as part of a council initiative to solve Perthshire’s“eyesore”issue.

Perth and Kinross councillors agreed a £100,000 initiative earlier this month to offer a year’s business rates relief for anyone taking on the renovation of a derelict property in the region.

The strategic policy and resources committee unanimously agreed on the proposal to offer 100 per cent rates relief to investors for the first 12 months of operating in any of 40 selected buildings.

The Royal Hotel at the Cross in Coupar Angus, and the Strathmore Hotel on Queen Street, as well as St Mary’s Church on Reform Street in Blairgowrie were included on the list of eligble buildings.

Leader of the council and convenor of the committee, Councillor Ian Campbell, said that he was delighted to be able to offering more encouragement for businesses to operate in the local authority area.

He said:“In line with our commitment to support and assist local businesses where we can, this proposal further shows our commitment to growing local business.

“This proposal encourages business owners, and indeed potential tenants, to grasp the opportunity of setting up a new business with a year’s relief from business rates.”

The scheme builds on the vacant property initiative which was put in place by the previous SNP council administration.

The council’s SNP leader, Councillor Dave Doogan, also supported the plan to increase investment in the area, although questioned whether it would be effective or merely good intentions.

He said:“I welcome this proactive approach to what is a challenging issue, but are there people and businesses looking to invest?”

At the meeting council officials confirmed that an interest, or lack thereof, in investing in Perth and its surrounding area is not something they were worried about.