Eco-camp developer says ambitious plan isn’t ‘dead and buried’

Proposal being ‘reassessed’ after being withdrawn

The developer behind an ambitious scheme for an eco-camp in Perthshire has confirmed his proposal is not “dead and buried” despite it being withdrawn from the planning table.

Steven Mackie, of Eco Scotland Ltd, said he is currently “reassessing” his thoughts on the plan, which was based around 60 tent pitches, 25 camping pods, eight holiday lodges and a children’s play park being built on a 7.3 hectare site at Kinvaid Farm, Moneydie.

The plan would also have seen a toilet/ catering block, reception building, community hub, maintenance store, car parking and landscaping located at the rural site.

Mr Mackie had previously suggested the plan would provide eco self-catering in the camping pods, giving short-term and package accommodation in both its pods and tent pitches. A supporting statement had claimed the planning application would lead to an ‘environmentally friendly’ campsite, providing a mixture of tent pitches, pods and lodges for guests.

However, the plan prompted 20 objections from neighbouring residents and Tony Maric, Perth and Kinross Council’s transport planning officer, expressed his concerns, stating he would like to see a travel plan framework for the eco-camp proposal.

Last week, it was announced that Mr Mackie had decided to withdraw the plan for the eco-camp, mainly on the basis of addressing the issues flagged up regarding the planning application.

These included comments from David Williamson, a biodiversity officer with Perth and Kinross Council, who raised concerns about the potential impact on the wildlife that inhabits the Moneydie area, including Pipistrelle bats, swifts, house martins and barn owls.

The plan prompted 20 objections from neighbouring residents