George Pearson, 29, owner of the castle near Stonehaven, wants to create the visitor centre with shop, cafe, exhibition space and new 126-space car park close to the ruined fortress. 

Mr Pearson also wants to build ten new homes on greenfield land nearby to help bridge a “shortfall” in finance for the project, the Scotsman reports. 

The castle attracts around 100,000 visitors a year, with its coastal position making it a popular site for photographers, filmmakers and tourists. The castle is also hugely popular for those living in the area.

Mr Pearson has argued the project will increase visitor numbers to the area and boost the local economy by a further £1.4m. 

Planners described a visitor centre as a “welcome development” that would gain support if the plans were submitted without the housing element.

However, a report said planners could not support the overall project given the housing did not meet policy by supporting a commercial development, was on greenfield land, did not include an affordable element or provide a safe route to schools for children living in the new homes.

Mr Pearson said including two affordable homes in the ten-house development would “affect the viability of the development”, although a contribution to sports and health facilities would be made, if plans were approved.

Papers submitted to planners reveal that 70% of the finance for the project would come from the bank, with the remaining 30% funded by Mr Pearson and the sale of the land for housing. 

The land sale would raise around £480,000 for the project, according to papers.