Proposals from Craigie Hill Golf Club to build 175 homes on half of its course in conjunction with Dundee engineering group Kilmac failed to receive support earlier this month from the local council’s planning committee. Following a meeting of the entire council on Wednesday, the plans were rejected by a vote of 26 to nine.
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Mr Mitchell told councillors that the club is haemorrhaging up to £30,000 each year and has been “fighting” against a decline for the past two decades. He added that the development would be a “net gain for Perth, continued employment for staff” and have “minimal” impact on the area’s green belt.
Speaking on Wednesday evening after the final vote, Mr Mitchell said: “We would like to thank councillors for their time but naturally we are bitterly disappointed with the council’s decision. Obviously we are even more concerned about what lies ahead for Craigie Hill.
“While the future of the golf club is assured for the next 15 months, we have warned all along that the club’s long-term existence is in serious jeopardy.”
The planning application received 212 letters of support and 107 objections. Mr Mitchell thanked the “many members of the public” and the club’s members for providing “enthusiastic support” for the project.
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“Rather than hugely enhancing the sporting and recreational amenities in Perth, the city could be facing yet another body blow following the council’s decision to sound the death knell for Bell’s Sports Centre, with the future of the ice rink and leisure pool also uncertain.
“It was encouraging to hear that councillors were keen to meet and discuss a collaborative approach to securing the future of the club. We will take a few days to reflect calmly on the council decision, and comments made during the course of the meeting, before deciding on our next step.”