Raised viewing platform at Land 90 Metres North West Of Lochside Cottage, Kenmore

What was proposed

A raised viewing platform with a glazed dome, safety barrier, steps and associated works was proposed at the northern end of a marina breakwater.

“Perth and Kinross Council Planning and Placemaking Committee - 15 April 2026 Report of Handling by Development Management and Building Standards Service Manager (Report No. 26/93) Proposal:Erection of raised viewing platform, including of glazed dome, safety barrier, formation of steps and associated works Location:Land 90 Metres North West Of Lochside Cottage, Kenmore, Aberfeldy, PH15 2HW Ref.”

Officer report

Site and planning history

The site is on Loch Tay’s south shore within a local landscape area, flood-risk area and the River Tay Special Area of Conservation, with several earlier permissions nearby.

“2The application site is located along the south shore of Loch Tay, within the Loch Tay Local Landscape Area, and an area of High River and Surface Water flood risk. The site is within the River Tay Special Area of Conservation. 3The proposal has attracted a community council objection. It is therefore required to be considered at the Planning and Placemaking Committee.”

“819/00157/FLL Full Planning Permission was approved on 5 April 2019 for Formation of breakwater, water activities park, temporary vehicular access and additional parking area…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Environmental Health raised no objection subject to noise and lighting controls, Structures and Flooding had no objection, and NatureScot made no comment.

“Consultations 30As part of the planning application process the following bodies were consulted: External 31NatureScot - No comments received. 32Kenmore Community Council - objects on the following grounds: • Light reflection during daylight would cause nuisance • Possible fire risk through focusing of sunlight by the curved dome surface • Light spill after dark would undermine dark skies which contribute to the area’s attractiveness to visitors • Noise pollution is inadequately…”

“Internal 33Structures and Flooding - No Objection, standard informative recommended. 34Environmental Health (Noise Odour) - No objections subject to conditions regarding plant noise, restriction on amplified music within the dome and any music outwith the dome, screening and aligning of lighting, and submission of a Noise Management Plan. Representations 355 representations were received, including from the Kenmore Community Council and the Loch Tay Association.”

Officer report

Concerns raised

Five representations raised concerns including visual impact, land use, height, light, noise, traffic, safety, wildlife, drainage and overdevelopment.

“The main issues raised within the representations are: • Adverse visual impact • Inappropriate land use • Excessive height • Light pollution • Loss of open space • Noise pollution • Out of character with the area • Over intensive development • Overlooking • Road safety concerns • Traffic congestion • Fire safety risk from focusing of sunlight by curved dome surface • Adverse impact on wildlife • Proposal appears as an attempt to subvert the premises licensing process and controls…”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

An objector representing Kenmore Community Council and the applicant addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

Committee decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to the stated conditions and informatives.

“Resolved: Grant, subject to the following terms, conditions and informatives:”

Minutes