Jobs boost in plans for estate extension
Up to 400 local jobs could be created if a £30 million expansion to a Perthshire estate is given the go-ahead.
Murrayshall Country Estate has applied for Planning Permission in Principle (PPIP) for an extension to its four-star hotel with a new spa, leisure facilities and holiday accommodation.
The masterplan application by owners Stellar Murrayshall LLP includes the creation of lodges, luxury cabins and timeshare/vacation ownership properties and the potential for outdoor pursuits.
In addition, an area of land has been identified for a solar farm which it hopes will provide clean green renewable energy.
Plans to diversify the estate were first drawn up in 2020 and a planning application was lodged with PKC in March 2021.
The application was later withdrawn to enable a review of the mix of development to be proposed on the estate which subsequently led to the decision to remove the potential enabling residential development.
The developer held two in-person public consultation events at the estate.
The first, which took place on December 12, 2022, was to showcase the principles of the development and receive feedback from members of the public on the proposals.
The second event, on January 31, 2023 provided responses to the feedback received and the consequential changes
made to the development proposals.
Gary Silcock, general manager for Murrayshall Country Estate, said: “Following an extensive consultation, we are delighted to bring forward our revised plans based on the feedback and comments received from the local community.
“This is an exciting time as we progress with our long-term aspirations for the estate which will ultimately help grow and sustain the business for years to come.
“We remain confident that the £30m investment for the diversification of Murrayshall will have a positive effect on the local economy, while securing jobs
and creating new employment.
“We are committed to investing in our staff and have been engaging with UHI Perth to assist in training and development opportunities for employees.
“Through the diversification of the estate, we are hoping to bring in more opportunities to host and support events.
“We look forward to continuing positive engagement with local residents and stakeholders throughout the planning process.”
The project team also held separate meetings with stakeholders and local residents, including site visits, to further explain the plans.
A project website was also created, allowing locals to look at the plans and share their views.
The project website will remain open until the planning process is concluded.
It is anticipated that a detailed application for phase one of the proposals will be submitted to the council in the coming weeks.