A well-known Scottish country house hotel could undergo a major expansion with 26 new bedrooms, a spa, swimming pool and woodland lodges under new plans.
RAD Hotel Group has lodged a planning application for a substantial redevelopment of Hetland Hall Hotel at Carrutherstown, near Dumfries.
The proposals would significantly increase the size of the hotel and broaden its leisure and wedding facilities, with the company estimating the expansion could create up to 60 jobs.
Plans submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council include alterations and extensions to the existing hotel to accommodate another 26 bedrooms.
A new spa and wellness facility incorporating a swimming pool is proposed alongside a dedicated wedding ceremony room.
Ten woodland lodges would also be constructed in the grounds, together with two sauna pods, new access tracks, parking and landscaping.
The application was received by the council on 19 August and validated on 26 August. It is currently awaiting a decision.
Hetland Hall is an established country house hotel set in 18 acres of grounds close to the A75 between Dumfries and Annan.
The hotel currently has 30 bedrooms as well as its Copper Beech Restaurant, Fountain Lounge and function facilities. The proposed development would therefore take its main hotel accommodation to around 56 bedrooms if approved.
A two-storey extension would accommodate much of the additional floorspace.
The woodland lodges would provide another type of accommodation within the estate, while the spa would introduce a major new leisure element to the hotel.
Documents submitted with the application include a masterplan, detailed designs for one and two-bedroom lodges, plans for the sauna pods and visualisations showing how the expanded hotel would sit within its surroundings.
A planning statement submitted in support of the development says the intention is to create a visitor experience which takes advantage of Hetland Hall’s landscape setting.
It describes the proposals as a significant investment in the continuing development of the hotel, designed to broaden its tourism offer.
The latest application follows an earlier proposal for the hotel which was withdrawn following feedback from councillors.
RAD says the new scheme has been revised in response to the issues raised during that process.
Managing director Aaron Kyle said the proposals would significantly improve Hetland Hall’s accommodation, leisure and wedding offering if permission is granted.
He said: “We believe the revised plans respond positively to the points raised and represent an exciting opportunity to invest in the long-term future of Hetland Hall.”
Kyle said the group would now work with the council as the application goes through the planning process.
The country house at the heart of the hotel dates from 1868. It was subsequently extended and was at one stage used as a seminary before being converted into a hotel in 1985.
It has operated as a hotel for more than 40 years and has undergone significant refurbishment under RAD Hotel Group, while retaining the character of the original country house.
RAD Hotel Group was founded by Robert and Vivien Kyle after the purchase of Lochside House Hotel near New Cumnock in 1999.
The family-owned Scottish hospitality company has since expanded to 10 venues.
Its portfolio includes Seamill Hydro in West Kilbride, Brig o’ Doon Hotel in Alloway, Fairfield House Hotel in Ayr, Dalmeny Park House Hotel in Barrhead, Radstone Hotel in Lanarkshire and Lochside House Hotel, Lodges and Spa.
The company has also recently expanded its luxury offering with the acquisition of five-star Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa in Troon.
Hetland Hall’s application is now being considered by Dumfries and Galloway Council.