Perth town house ‘monstrosity’ plans withdrawn

A HIGHLAND laird has withdrawn controversial plans to build a massive town house on top of a Georgian C-listed building in Perth - a project that had been described “like plonking an oil rig” in the middle of the city.
The proposed evelopment in Bridgend, Perth. Picture: ContributedThe proposed evelopment in Bridgend, Perth. Picture: Contributed
The proposed evelopment in Bridgend, Perth. Picture: Contributed

Malcolm James, the owner of the Dall estate on the shores of Loch Rannoch, first hit the headlines three years ago when his ambitious proposals to transform one of the most remote stretches of Highland Perthshire into a £1.3 billion private playground for the world’s super-rich were thrown out by the local council.

He became embroiled in a new major planning row three months ago when it was revealed he was proposing to remove the attic floor of a three floor Georgian building in the Bridgend area of Perth and then build a modern four storey “town house” on top of the structure, complete with a roof top garden and a swimming pool.

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When public comment on the scheme closed there were only two letters in support of the project and almost 180 objections, including a petition signed by more than 100 residents and visitors.

Stuart Glencorse, one of the opponents of the scheme, claimed: “This is a monstrosity of a building which is going to totally dominate the landscape. It’s like plonking an oil rig in the middle of Perth.”

And the Architectural Heritage Society also condemned the “radical mutilation” of the listed building.

But a spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council today confirmed: “The application for the Bridgend development has been withdrawn.”

Mr Glencorse said that there was “huge relief” in the community that the “crazy planning application” had been withdrawn.

Mr James could not be contacted for comment.

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