Highland Perthshire shopping outlet wins approval for new art gallery

PLANNING: House of Bruar looking to expand its site near Blair Atholl

A Highland Perthshire shopping complex has won approval to build a new art gallery on its grounds.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) signed off on plans for the creation of a new art gallery and other associated works at the House of Bruar.

The luxury shopping complex near Blair Atholl has expanded significantly since it first opened its doors in 1995 and now the owners of the outlet want to add a detached building, which would become a dedicated art gallery.

The application also includes changes to car parking and the installation of four air source heat pumps.

In her report to committee members, planning officer Stephanie Wade explained her reason for recommending the application for approval.

Ms Wade said: “The House of Bruar is a well established retail facility, so the proposals are in keeping with the current use of the site.

“The scale and design on the new building are acceptable and it meets with all the relevant policies.”

CNPA planning committee convener Eleanor Mackintosh said: “I very much agree with the recommendation and welcome the continued commitment by the applicants to investing in the local economy.”

The CNPA planning committee made the decision behind closed doors, with members using email and teleconferencing due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

House of Bruar came under fire from members of its own staff last week who were concerned that nonessential workers will still be working in the clothes department at the online shopping warehouse.

One employee at the clothing warehouse told The Courier: “It is negligent of the staff’s wellbeing. There is uproar among staff that they are still being made to go in.”

Patrick Birkbeck, managing director of House of Bruar, said the government was not only promoting online retail but encouraging it.

Mr Birkbeck said: “I’m very comfortable that what we are doing is within the guidelines.”

Picture: Steve MacDougall. House of Bruar wants to create an art gallery at its complex.