Plans to bulldoze hotel site

Developers behind a plan to bulldoze a Kinross hotel and build retirement homes have outlined their reasons for the move.

McCarthy & Stone have lodged a planning statement and application to Perth and Kinross Council to create 36 houses for the over-55s on the site of Windlestrae Hotel.

The retirement homes specialist claims it will provide a specialised form of accommodation that is limited within the area.

The planning statement says: “The site is occupied by the Windlestrae Hotel, which has been for sale on the open market for a considerable period. The application is supported by a robust independent study that comprehensively assesses the demand for hotel and associated uses in the Kinrossshire area.

“The assessment demonstrates that the current hotel and leisure facility are simply not viable in the current market.”

It also concluded that the closure of the hotel would help to preserve the nearby Green Hotel as a viable business.

If passed, the plan will result in the construction of the retirement homes, along with a purpose-built club lounge, guest suite for visitors and a communal garden area.

McCarthy & Stone says the development could boost the local economy to the tune of around £3.6 million.

Terrance Doyle, former owner of the Windlestrae Hotel, has said the landmark should remain as it is.

He previously said more than £2m was spent developing the hotel in the early 1990s, with improved leisure and conference facilities.