Suspicion over plans for piggery

Mysterious client behind fresh proposal for land

Mystery and suspicion surrounds a fresh bid to build a holiday park on the site of a former Mearns piggery.

The new plans have come forward as the Scottish Government is considering a planning appeal for the Travellers’ site at St Cyrus. The Dowrieburn site was the subject of an application for holiday lodges last year by Monarch Leisure and Park Homes.

The company’s director, William McDonald, is one of the men behind the North Esk Park Travellers’ site which appeared virtually overnight in 2013.

Carnoustie-based architects and developer Brunton Design will put forward the plans but declined to reveal its client, describing that information as “commercially sensitive”.

Mystery surrounds a fresh bid to build a luxury holiday park on the site of a former Mearns piggery.

The 27-acre site in Luthermuir will include lodges available for holiday rental and for sale as holiday homes with private fishing, a restaurant and retail units.

Carnoustie-based architects and developer Brunton Design will put forward the plans but declined to reveal its client, describing that information as “commercially sensitive”.

A spokesman for the firm said the “person or company” have already built several successful housing developments and holiday parks throughout the north-east and the central belt.

The Dowrieburn site was coincidentally the subject of a similar application for holiday lodges last year by Monarch Leisure and Park Homes whose director William McDonald is one of the men behind the unauthorised St Cyrus Travellers’ site at North Esk Park, which appeared virtually overnight in 2013.

The fresh application is also set to be lodged at a time when the future of the St Cyrus Travellers’ site remains ultimately in question against the backdrop of an ongoing Scottish Ministers’ investigation.

One resident said: “I don’t think any of us are fooled – as far as we’re aware the site hasn’t changed hands.”

North East Scotland Conservative MSP Liam Kerr said: “The timing seems a coincidence, at best, given the outcome of an appeal against the North Esk Park site is imminent.

“I am sure there are concerns locally that similar problems could emerge.

“The experience at St Cyrus should serve as a sobering reminder of what can happen if developers are allowed to blatantly disregard the planning process. It is essential that local residents engage with the council during the planning process and make their feelings known.”

A consultation event will be held next week.

Allan Mudie, of Brunton Design, said they would be creating what they believe will be one of the largest luxury holiday lodge developments in Aberdeenshire.

He said: “We are looking at a high-end development, along the same lines as Forbes of Kingennie near Carnoustie.

“Aberdeenshire Council has been very supportive as has the neighbouring farmer.”

The previous application was withdrawn after residents voiced their concerns and suspicions were raised when a fire broke out at the site after their views were made public.

Another resident added: “I wouldn’t say there is a feeling of palpable concern in the village but there is a degree of uncertainty.

“A caravan site is something nobody wants and the roads infrastructure wouldn’t be suitable for a touring site.

I am sure there are concerns locally that similar problems could emerge. LIAM KERR MSP

Picture: Kim Cessford. The proposed site of the development – a former pig farm in Luthermuir.