Banff Lodge plans denied over family home fears
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Plans for a luxury holiday lodge near Banff have been thrown out over fears the property may become a family home in the future.
Alan and Pauline Bruce submitted their plan for the executive house in March last year.
They wanted to build it on land next to Craig Alvah Lodge, which is also owned by the couple.
The proposed new house was expected to have six bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, along with an open kitchen, dining and lounge area.
Meanwhile, a hot tub and fire pit were planned to be located out in the garden for visitors to make the most of their stay.
Mr and Mrs Bruce wanted to build the new lodge in a bid to meet high demand in bookings at their existing property.
Craig Alvah Lodge also has six bedrooms and features an indoor swimming pool as well as table tennis and pool tables.
The couple also have permission to build 12 smaller holiday cottages nearby, however they have “no immediate intention” to construct them.
Council planners had recommended the lodge plan be refused as they were worried its use as holiday accommodation couldn’t be “assured”.
The application went before the Banff and Buchan area committee on Tuesday.
Jennifer Ross from John Wink Design told members that more than 4300 visitors stayed at Craig Alvah Lodge last year.
She explained that the popularity of the lodge proved there was a demand for larger accommodation in the area.
Ms Ross also revealed the proposed house was expected to bring 3000 new visitors to the Banff area.
She added: “It should be recognised that not everyone wishes to holiday in a town centre or stay in a glamping pod.
“The popularity of the existing lodge clearly identifies there is a demand for accommodation suitable for large families and group bookings.”
Banff and District councillor Glen Reynolds believed the proposal should be approved and said it “ticks all the boxes”.
“I think this would be a lost opportunity if we don’t look at this in a very positive way,” he stated.
“Such projects are vital and necessary as we continue to move out of the pandemic and into recovery.”
But committee chairwoman, councillor Doreen Mair urged members to refuse the lodge.
She explained: “It would be difficult to guarantee that this will stay as a holiday home in the near to later future.
“I also have concerns in the fact that they state they would not be developing the 12 holiday lodges and yet in the future they might be.
“This would mean quite a substantial extent of the countryside being used up and a little hamlet formed.”
Following a narrow vote, the application was refused by five to four.
