He stated "You can't just have applications refused on the whim of a few local people because of minor details."

At a public meeting on 29th September at Finzean Hall, which the appellant chose not to attend, the Marr Area Committee, comprising democratically elected Councillors representing all leading political parties, voted unanimously to reject his planning application, not on a whim, but for several totally justifiable reasons, not least for the good of the local community which was resolute in its opposition to the development. The Committee had previously visited the site of the proposed facility, and like myself, must have been aware of the sensitivity of its location.

The reasons for refusal are as follows: Insufficient evidence to demonstrate the viability of the venture; Insufficient evidence to support the proposed employment level; The scale of development did not meet Local Plan Policy on: accessibility (approach roads are 'unclassified'), inappropriate development for the location, and the development would not respect the landscape in which it would sit.

"Minor details?" Not in my book!

A conference centre in this location would be totally inappropriate. Let's protect our beautiful landscape, not develop it! I therefore fully support our Councillors in their decision.

Yours etc

Dilys Hudson (Mrs)
(via email)