Holiday cabin hope for old hotel site

Ambitious plans which could see the site of the former Spittal of Glenshee Hotel turned into a focal point for tourism have been resubmitted.

An initial attempt by Glasgow-based consortium Yorsipp Ltd to build holiday accommodation on the site was withdrawn earlier this year after concerns were raised by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).

The park watchdog said it felt the 18 cabins could have a significant impact on the area and asked for additional information, including studies in relation to wildlife and details of a scheme to safeguard against water pollution.

A design statement in support of a fresh attempt to gain consent for the same amount of units has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council by Rick Finc Associates.

The new application also includes a reception building, restaurant/bar and scope for car parking once the ruins of the hotel, which was gutted by a fire in 2014, have been demolished.

The planning consultants’report said: “The proposed development will bring a vacant and derelict site back into use and will provide significant economic benefits for the Glenshee area and the Cairngorms National Park. It will also provide a valuable facility for the community and locals.

The report states:“It is anticipated that, subject to mix, approximately 120 bed-spaces will be available on site at any given time, assuming 100 per cent occupancy.

“Some of these may be operated on a timeshare basis.

“The central hub will have an internal floor area of approximately 600 square metres. The building will be the main reception area and will accommodate approximately 30 bedrooms.

“It could also contain visitor/ community facilities, toilet, showers, café/ restaurant and bar, supporting recreational leisure facilities, hire facilities and a retail concession.

“There may be an opportunity to incorporate conference and craft facilities.

“An area for car parking will be created adjacent to the central hub and each chalet will possess one dedicated car parking space.”

Yorsipp hopes to be granted consent in principle by the end of this year, with full consent and licences obtained by summer 2019.

An ecology report on the new plan is to be made public.