Charges of Rowdyism Hang Over Planning Controversy

The reopening of the old Grandtully Hotel, now known as The Grantully, is mired in controversy after it became clear the building only has planning permission as a dwellinghouse having been reclassified in 2003.

Planning enforcement officers have stepped in to insist on owner Julian Rickard submitting a retrospective planning application to legitimise his current use of the premises as a hostel, a pub/café and a base for water rafting company Splash.

However, Grandtully residents were already up in arms at the way the place is being run, with complaints to police and Perth and Kinross Council about drunkenness and rowdyism outside in the street.

Objections have been submitted to the council that the building is unsuitable, particularly the use of the front area as a beer garden. There are also doubts that the small amount of parking now available behind the premises will meet modern planning standards, or that the building can be economically improved to comply with the latest building regulations.

Licence Queries

Further queries are also being raised about the transfer of a liquor license from the previous owner to Julian Rickard who also runs the Bunkhouse at Glassie Farm, above Weem. To add to his woes, the Bunkhouse was the victim of a serious fire in May.

Julian Rickard told a special meeting of Mid-Atholl, Strathtay & Grandtully Community Council on 3 July, called to discuss the Grantully planning issue, that he was awaiting an environment assessment by the council and was taking steps to deal with complaints about the behaviour of some customers, which he was very concerned about.

 He also said that two portable buildings in his car park used by Splash would soon be removed.

The controversy over the use of the building blew up as Perth and Kinross announced plans to turn Grandtully and Strathtay into a conservation area. The plans are likely to be adopted in late autumn, placing strict restrictions on development and building alterations.