Affordable housing plans ‘undermined’
Golf building plan sparks concern among residents
Affordable housing plans will be undermined if plans are for a golf maintenance hub at the Taymouth Castle development get the go ahead, an MSP has claimed.
Mid Scotland and Green MSP Mark Ruskell has criticised the proposals by real estate firm Discovery Land Company (DLC) as the deadline for objections to Perth and Kinross Council closed.
DLC – the business umbrella behind the multi-million pound development of the historic site – submitted the plans in December covering land that had previously been earmarked for low-cost housing in the PKC 2019 Local Development Plan.
The plans include a twostorey L-shaped building, with the ground floor consisting of a “vehicle storage area, workshop, office, toilets, changing rooms and a staff cafeteria”.
The first floor would feature more office space and a “mezzanine storage area”.
The developers have said the new facility would be “crucial” in maintaining a high-quality golf course.
However, Mr Ruskell argued this should not take priority over community housing.
He said: “It cannot be right that the requirements of a luxury estate take precedence over the desperate need for affordable and community housing around Loch Tay.
“It’s clear that many people agree that we need more affordable homes in our communities, not a luxury playground for the mega-rich.
“I hope both Perth and Kinross Council and the developers take this opportunity to listen to these concerns and take action to prioritise new and affordable housing for Kenmore and the surrounding villages.
“Over the past two years, I have been contacted by local residents concerned about the actions of developers around Loch Tay.
“Discovery Land Company have not been transparent about their plans for the Taymouth Castle site from the very beginning.
“They still have not provided a full and clear masterplan for Taymouth Castle and connected sites, like the beach, hotel and local shop.
“If DLC are genuine about investing in the local community, they must urgently produce a comprehensive masterplan and new environmental impact assessment of all of their development plans for Taymouth Castle and surrounding areas, including how they will support the development of affordable and low cost homes.”
The application – connected to the larger controversial Taymouth Castle site which was given initial planning permission in
2011, is currently under consideration by Perth and Kinross Council. A number of objections have been lodged by residents, who have raised concerns surrounding issues such as light pollution, noise disruption, and the impact on the surrounding area. One resident, Gordon Meek, said: “Only neighbours within 20 metres of the potential development have been notified of this planning application. “While this falls within Scottish
Government guidelines for neighbour notification, I would argue that the potential noise and light impact of this development would affect all the properties on Taymouth Drive, including Kenmore Primary School.
“Taking into account the urgent need for affordable community housing in Kenmore and this application’s infringement on the village’s capacity to offer this.”
Alexa Reid’s objection stated: “I object to this development, it is out of character and proportion to the area. There are less antagonistic sites available to the developers.”
Leanne Webster also said: “The building would cause light pollution and could cause residents to feel claustrophobic.
“People move to rural areas to get away from all of this for reasons, many for health reasons and none of this has been taken into considerations.
“On this same subject, there would be chemicals in use in close proximity to residents, smoke and fumes, increased risk of hazardous fire in the area, noise pollution and possible vibration from the works carried out.”
As of Tuesday, 53 objection submissions had been lodged with PKC planners.
A separate petition on a Scottish Greens website has attracted more than 2000 objections.
A design statement submitted with the golf buggy garage application said: “The proposal is necessary to provide the required space to accommodate the facility which is crucial in the upkeep and maintenance of a high-quality golf course which is being re-constructed on Taymouth Estate.
“The staff maintaining the golf course also require the necessary working, storage and welfare spaces in line with modern standards of golf course management.
“The proposal represents a sympathetic approach to creating a new building on Taymouth estate in close proximity to
Kenmore village.
“The proposed design and positioning of the building was carefully considered with the additional landscaping works absorbing the massing with an overall negligible visual impact.
“External landscaping design will provide a secure and safe environment for working and delivery vehicles, it will give protection to the pedestrian users of the site and screen the development from the golf course and Kenmore village.
“The proposal will also provide an economic addition to the local area by providing jobs and training programmes for young people with an interest in golf course management.”
It cannot be right that the requirements of a luxury estate take precedence over the desperate need for housing