THE ‘alien’ appearance of 28 proposed holiday lodges close to Whitmuirhall Loch has seen the plans scuppered.
Last week, a planning appeal was dismissed by reporter Gerry Farrington, who said the development would cause ‘unacceptable harm’ to the area. The loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Despite dismissing the appeal, by Whitmuir Hall owner Alan Williams, the reporter said the plan had its benefits.
These included the creation of jobs, the likely implementation of an approved extension to the leisure and communal facilities at Whitmuir Hall, which are accessible to the community, and improvements to the road.
But, Mr Farrington added: “However well designed and landscaped, due to the size and density of the units and the tightness of the clusters, the development would have an alien suburban appearance and character in this rural setting.”
He concluded: “The proposal would cause unacceptable harm to the amenity and character of the scenic landscape surrounding Whitmuirhall Loch, which is sensitive to change and contributes significantly to the attractiveness of the area for tourism and public recreation.”
The council’s application for costs is still to be decided.