Councillors agree to visit proposed glamping site at Scolty Hill

Councillors have decided to visit the site of a proposed glamping development before making a decision.

Phil Robertson and Sam Begg want to build three camping pods at Scolty House, just south of Banchory.

Planning officers have recommended the proposals for approval, despite objections from the local community.

And yesterday, members of the Marr area committee decided to defer the application for a site visit.

The move came after councillors heard from two residents living close to the earmarked site, which lies just off the B974 Banchory to Strachan road.

Marshall Bailey, who lives nearby, said that while he “supports the entrepreneurship”, the development would result in a “reduction of amenity and quality of life for those living nearby.”

Aileen Auld meanwhile raised fears that increased traffic in the area could cause danger for children like her own who like to play outside.

Pippa Robertson, from agents Aurora Planning, however argued that her client’s glamping site would provide an economic boost to the local area, and any increase in traffic would not be significant.

The committee will carry out a site visit later this month.