Plans for a £100 million golf and leisure development on Royal Deeside have secured the backing of local councillors who rejected the recommendations of senior planners that the scheme should be refused.
Members of the Marr area committee of Aberdeenshire Council voted five to three in favour of the development of the major complex, including a luxury hotel, which would be centred on the existing championship course at Inchmarlo Golf Club on the outskirts of Banchory.
Although the plans by developers Frank Burnett Ltd had been backed by both Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland as a key development in boosting tourism in the area, planning officials recommended refusing permission as the application was “significantly contrary” to the wider strategy of the local development plan.
The full council will meet on 10 March to make a final decision.
Inchmarlo Golf Club www.inchmarlogolf.com
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