A wealthy businessman who was ordered to bulldoze his five-bedroomed mansion has struck a deal to save the condemned building.
Gareth Wilson, 45, had fallen foul of planning laws after he constructed the L-shaped property on his Tennox Farm estate near Kilbirnie, Ayrshire.
The sandstone building features a roof with Spanish slate while inside there is a spiral staircase and a stacked balcony.
The ground floor includes a home spa with sauna and steam room while the upper floor includes four bedrooms and an open plan kitchen and living area.
Mr Wilson did not submit formal planning permission to North Ayrshire Council before starting work during the Covid-19 pandemic and failed to gain retrospective permission for the property in 2023.
But he has successfully applied to convert the 1.5 storey house into a tourist destination in a move which will also see six holiday lodges built at the site.
His new plans were given the green light by the council planners although strict conditions will remain in place until works are completed.
The local authority said the move fitted in with its local development plan.
The five-bedroom mansion is complete with a home spa with sauna and steam room
Gareth Wilson, 45, had fallen foul of planning laws after he constructed the property on his estate
A planning document on his behalf said: ‘The proposed development at Tennox Farm represents a significant opportunity to enhance the local tourism infrastructure while preserving and enhancing the character of the rural environment.
‘The development will provide high-quality holiday accommodation, catering to the increasing demand for rural tourism in Scotland.
‘It will contribute positively to the local economy by creating job opportunities and supporting local businesses.
‘The proposed development at Tennox Farm is a well considered and sustainable initiative that will bring substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits to the local area.’
It added: ‘It is proposed to add the as-built L-Shaped House and six new holiday lodges to the accommodation offered at the site.
‘Ancillary development is also proposed to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for guests, as well as to ensure the development represents an environmentally sensitive and sustainable use of land.’
Mr Wilson, a successful auctioneer, was also given the go ahead to create further vehicle access, car parking, pedestrian and bridleways for the tourism development.
The Coal Authority said they were not against the development but asked for investigations to be undertaken to establish any risks caused by former mining in the area.
The property is complete with stone walls, high ceilings and wooden bins
He has successfully applied to convert the 1.5 storey house into a tourist destination
Granting permission, the council said: ‘North Ayrshire Council in exercise of their powers hereby grant planning permission.
‘The development hereby approved shall be implemented in accordance with the submitted plans, drawings and recommendations contained in the application, inclusive of all associated supporting documentation, unless otherwise indicated below, all to the satisfaction of North Ayrshire Council as planning authority.
‘The proposal complies with the relevant provisions of the development plan and there are no other material considerations that indicate otherwise.’
Mr Wilson was approached for comment.
