Dozens object to plan for lodges in Dunkeld

More than 40 objections have been put forward over plans to build holiday lodges at Dunkeld House Hotel in Perthshire.

The owners of the hotel want to build eight lodges in the protected Dunkeld Dell woodland, along with a car park with 20 spaces and new paths.

However, despite the objections from members of the public and from Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council, the lodges have been recommended for approval by Perth and Kinross Council planners.

Councillors will meet tomorrow to make a decision.

According to the council’s online planning portal, reasons for objection include:

● The existing spa, bar and restaurant capacities are too small for more guests;

● Concerns the construction would ruin the ambience of the grounds;

● Claims the hotel made promises to existing residents that it would not expand;

● Claims timeshare residents were not consulted;

● Fears over the impact on the native animal population in the woodland;

● Increased traffic in the Dunkeld area.

The community council says it is concerned about the impact of the plans on natural heritage and light and travel pollution, along with the visual impact of the proposals and claims of a lack of public consultation.

But a report from planning officials at the council says: “The development is considered to comply with the relevant provisions of the development plan.

“There are no material considerations apparent which outweigh the development plan.”

The proposals, which were submitted in January, say the lodges will be built adjacent to the existing four-star hotel.

The lodges will all have one bedroom with self-catering facilities for guests to use.

In its application, Dunkeld House Hotel claimed the development will give guests a “retreat into the wilderness”.

It states: “Dunkeld House Hotel provides the lure of events and facilities within a spectacular location within the Strathbraan Valley and by the River Tay.

“Although, it also has a secret dell that has a magical sense of escapism with its natural, serene environment.

“This unique setting creates opportunity to provide guests with a retreat into the wilderness with access to the hotel facilities and historic town of Dunkeld.”

“This unique setting creates opportunity to provide guests with a retreat into the wilderness

OBJECTIONS: Locals say Dunkeld House Hotel’s plan would impact on the animal population in woodlands and ruin the area’s ambience.