The leisure-based destination is being proposed by Morris Leslie Group, which has its headquarters at West Kinfauns.

Capable of supporting a variety of leisure and tourism functions the development aims to include a four-star hotel, lodge-style cabins, a museum that will tell the story of transport and vehicles over the last century, with a focus on the impact of those from Scotland on this and more specifically the local area.

The submission of a planning application is the result of exhaustive research and investigation by the professionals employed and subsequent extensive community consultation.

A key entrance into Perth from the motorway, the West Kinfauns development will offer great connections with the city centre, including active travel routes, which will be enhanced through the proposed development.

Part of the site has been identified as a location for the proposed park and ride, which has planning consent, and the intention is to incorporate this facility into the development, if progressed by the council.

Delivery of a premium destination will draw tourism to the area on a local and national basis, providing a gateway to Perth, and complementing the range of activities and facilities available in Perth and the surrounding area.

The West Kinfauns development will also greatly increase local employment opportunities, both once complete and in its construction. It has been estimated that once operational the development will support upwards of 130 direct on-site jobs including in the hospitality, retail and leisure roles.

The development will also accommodate up to 80,000 visitors in Perth and Kinross annually, boosting the local visitor economy.

The development will include a four-star hotel. With between 120 and 150 guestrooms over four storeys, the hotel will seek to accommodate an internationally recognised brand, enjoying expansive views across the River Tay.

Located in close proximity to the motorway the proposed hotel will enjoy excellent connections into Perth, with support functions for longer stay accommodation and the potential for spa style facilities.

Lodge-style cabins will be provided for longer stay for larger groups (five days plus), with the site encouraged to be used as a tourism hub.

A museum will tell the story of transport and vehicles over the last century, with a focus on the impact of those from Scotland on this and more specifically the local area. This will showcase how vehicles have evolved and the impact of Scots on this sector, including David Buick (founder of Buick), William Davidson (co-founder of Harley Davidson), and Preston Watson from Dundee who it is claimed, but not officially recorded, had the first powered flight at Errol some ten months before the Wright brothers.

It is also the intention to put on feature displays which will change twice annually. Such displays could focus on Grand Prix and racing cars driven by Scots, such as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Dario Franchitti, the story of Stagecoach, or famous Scots on two wheels.
Retail space will be provided at a scale that will complement the proposed hotel, museum, lodges, existing Caledonian House office and the village of Kinfauns.

Morris Leslie, chairman of Morris Leslie Limited, said: “We are delighted to be submitting a planning application to the Council for this exciting leisure-led development, which follows extensive community consultation. The £33.8 million development provides the perfect opportunity to maximise the potential of the location and draw tourists to the area on a local and national basis.

“Well-connected to the surrounding road network, including the A90, this premium destination will provide a gateway to Perth, to the surrounding area and beyond.

“The proposed scheme is of a scale that can support additional development and is ideally placed in terms of transport connection. It is also in a beautiful location with outstanding views.”