A US company that is developing a luxury resort for the mega-rich in Scotland has started work on a wastewater treatment plant without planning permission, The National has learned.
Satellite images reveal unauthorized work
The Protect Loch Tay (PLT) campaign group has obtained satellite images that show that Discovery Land Company (DLC) has begun work on a âfoul water treatment plantâ next to Taymouth Castle, though no planning permission has been granted. The plant would include drainage to the River Tay, which is part of a Special Area of Conservation for its wildlife.
Environmental concerns raised by NatureScot
An application for the plant was submitted in October 2022, but it is still under consideration after NatureScot, the Scottish Governmentâs environmental body, raised concerns. NatureScot said in an intervention in January 2023 that the proposals could affect âinternationally important natural heritage interestsâ and objected to the proposal until further information is provided. NatureScot also noted that freshwater pearl mussel populations may be in the area, and warned that a survey should be conducted to learn more.
Perth and Kinross Council aware of the breach
A spokesperson from Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) said they were aware of the âbreachâ and that a retrospective application was being considered. DLC did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the firm previously insisted that âevery aspect of the Taymouth Estate is being designed in a way that restores and preserves the environmentâ.
Green MSP calls for repercussions
Green MSP Mark Ruskell, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife, said: âThis exclusive development for the rich continues to cause a huge amount of concern, with a lack of transparency and accountability. To hear that planning rules may have been ignored adds further concern. If these accusations are accurate then DLC must halt immediately and face repercussions. Itâs time for Perth and Kinross Council to stand up and enforce clear rules.â
Campaign group vows to monitor DLCâs activities
A spokesperson for the PLT group, Rob Jamieson, said: âSomebody asked me on Sunday if I was looking forward to a rest in the coming months when the tourists are gone. No, I said, Iâm looking forward to having more free time to monitor what DLC are up to, and trying to ensure they follow the rules and laws of Scotland as they trash the environment around Kenmore.â He added: âBecause without the public keeping a close eye, things like the freshwater pearl mussel beds, the magnificent woodland habitat, historic landmarks, and anything else that get in the way of DLCâs business model to maximise profit, these things will be lost to future generations.â
DLCâs land acquisition spree in Scotland
DLC have been buying up vast swathes of land around Loch Tayâs eastern end, including in Kenmore village and towards Aberfeldy, as part of the planned development of a luxury resort aimed at the mega-rich. The firm currently owns Taymouth Castle estate, the neighbouring Glenlyon Estate, Moness Resort, Kenmore Hotel, Kenmore post office and shop, Taymouth Trading, Brae Cottages, Am Fasgadh and Gatehouse, Paper Boat, Police House, and the Boathouse cottages, among other properties. They also operate some 35 other exclusive resorts across the world, where law breaches have been reported and deep concerns raised about the environmental impact.
Will DLC be able to continue their development plans without facing legal consequences? Will Perth and Kinross Council take action to protect the natural heritage of Loch Tay? Will NatureScotâs objections be taken into account? These are some of the questions that remain unanswered as DLCâs activities come under scrutiny.