Billionaire may dump plans for North Coast 500 village overhaul
Scotland’s largest private landowner may shelve a multi-million pound scheme in a remote village on the North Coast 500 after his plans upset locals.
Billionaireandershochpovlsen has faced growing opposition from hotels, which claim his scheme is “unsustainable” and unfair competition.
He is also accused by one couple he outbid for a former bank building in Tongue in Sutherland of taking over the village and surrounding area where he now owns six properties, as well as the nearby estate.
Danish clothing tycoon Mr Povlsen’s company want to revitalise the area at Tongue on the NC500 road trip with services that have been “lost” to the community, as well as meet growing tourist demand.
Mr Povlsen’s Wildland Ltd are also the largest shareholder in the company that promotes the NC500. Wildland has plans to transform part of Tongue at Burrs Stores with accommodation, a microbrewery and events centre.
But two major accommodation providers in the area have objected, joining protests from the local community council and others.
The development site dates back to the early 1900s with a general store, tea rooms and garage.
It is now home to the community’s Spar store and filling station, while the remaining historic buildings have become derelict.
In an effort to restore the area to its former glory, one of Mr Povlsen’s companies has outlined proposals to transform the village into a vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike, while maintaining its historic character.
But some local businesses are worried over the inclusion of a ten-bedroom ensuite accommodation facility in the extensive plans.
The whole scheme may now fall through.
A spokesman for Wildland confirmed the application would continue through the planning process, but if approved there was no guarantee it will now go ahead.
“Work will not proceed while the company undergoes a period of reflection on the project,” he said.
Mrs Suzanne Mackay, from the Kyle of Tongue Hostel and Holiday Park, has lodged an objection with Highland Council to “strongly object to the accommodation portion of the proposed development”.
“We ourselves have also heavily invested ... with the purchase and upgrade of the local hostel and the subsequent construction and development of a fully equipped campsite in its grounds,” she said.