PLANT machinery magnate Morris Leslie has lodged a planning application for a major leisure-based destination in Perthshire.
The Morris Leslie Group has put in a planning bid for a site at West Kinfauns, where it has its headquarters, to Perth and Kinross Council.
The firm said the development is capable of supporting a variety of leisure and tourism functions and aims to include a four-star hotel, lodge-style cabins, and a museum that will tell the story of transport and vehicles over the last century “with a focus on the impact of those from Scotland on this and more specifically the local area”.
The museum will showcase how vehicles have evolved and the impact of Scots on this sector, including David Buick, founder of Buick, William Davidson, co-founder of Harley Davidson.
It is also the intention to put on feature displays possibly focussing on famous racing Scots.
Lodge-style cabins will be provided for longer stay for larger groups, with the site encouraged to be used as a tourism hub.
Retail space will be provided at a scale that will complement the proposed hotel, museum, lodges, existing Caledonian House office and the village of Kinfauns.
Part of the site has been identified as a location for a proposed park and ride, which has planning consent, and the intention is to incorporate this facility into the development, if progressed by the council.
Delivery of a tourism destination will “draw tourism to the area on a local and national basis, providing a gateway to Perth, and complementing the range of activities and facilities available in Perth and the surrounding area”, the developer said.
READ MORE: Hospitality, retail and leisure jobs set for £33.8m development
It has been estimated that once operational the development will support upwards of 130 direct on-site jobs including in the hospitality, retail and leisure roles.
The development will also accommodate up to 80,000 visitors in Perth and Kinross annually, boosting the local visitor economy, it is claimed.
Mr Leslie began his business selling plant machinery in Perthshire in 1974.
While the company continues to sell plant machinery, now on a global scale, it also operates one of the UK’s leading plant hire companies with a nationwide network of depots.
The company also has an extensive residential and commercial property portfolio throughout the UK, an auction division and a team of more than 350 dedicated staff across 19 sites.
Morris Leslie, chairman of Morris Leslie Limited, said the move “follows extensive community consultation”.
“The £33.8 million development provides the perfect opportunity to maximise the potential of the location and draw tourists to the area on a local and national basis,” he said. “Well-connected to the surrounding road network, including the A90, this premium destination will provide a gateway to Perth, to the surrounding area and beyond.
“The proposed scheme is of a scale that can support additional development and is ideally placed in terms of transport connection. It is also in a beautiful location with outstanding views.”
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