£1.3bn resort plans rejected

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Controversial plans to build a luxury resort at Loch Rannoch in Perthshire have been rejected by Perth and Kinross Council.

Developers had planned to spend £1.3bn building a hotel, two golf courses and a golf club house on the Dall Estate.

The scheme had been opposed by conservation organisations including Scottish Natural Heritage, the RSPB and the Woodland Trust.

The decision to reject the plans was taken at a special council meeting.

Developers Dall Estate and M James Developments had said the proposals would create hundreds of new jobs for the area if approved.

But parts of the site were designated among the River Tay Special Area of Conservation and the Black Wood of Rannoch Site of Special Scientific Interest. Otters, capercaillie and red squirrels also live in the area.

Planning officials said the resort would be against national policy and guidance, including on conservation.