£34 million hotel and leisure development near Perth gets green light bringing over 130 full-time jobs

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Planning permission in principle has been unanimously granted for a £33.8m leisure development at West Kinfauns featuring a four-star hotel, holiday lodges and transport museum.In August 2022 councillors voted that they were "minded to grant" but only after council officers agreed to work with the developer Morris Leslie to look again at footpaths and road safety following an emotional plea from local residents.In a letter this week to Perth and Kinross Council (PKC), Morris Leslie confirmed - by letter - it will be prepared to provide a financial contribution towards pedestrian improvements.The elected members of PKC were recommended to approve the application when they met on Wednesday, December 6.Morris Leslie submitted an application to PKC to build a hotel with up to 150 bedrooms, 52 holiday chalets, a transport museum and associated workshop, retail and support services on the Walnut Grove site on the banks of the River Tay, just off the A90 and outside Perth.

Once operational, the developers have said the site will bring over 130 full-time hospitality, retail, and leisure jobs. It is estimated to generate a gross annual expenditure of £6 million per year with a further £4.3 million of net spending generated within Perth and Kinross.However residents expressed concern over an increase in traffic on a road which does not have a pavement.

Since the August 2022 planning meeting, Perth and Kinross Council has worked with Morris Leslie to prepare a Section 75 legal agreement - now nearing completion - to secure developer contributions and other obligations.In a letter this week to PKC, Morris Leslie managing director Graham Ogilvie said: "Morris Leslie remains committed to working with the officers of its planning and