PLANNING permission has been granted for a boutique hotel near Oban.
Argyll and Bute Council planning officers have given the go-ahead to Lupi Moll’s plans for the site at Ballygown Farm in Glenlonan after eight expressions of support from the public.
Two objections were also lodged, citing concerns about road access and possible drink-driving at night with a restaurant forming part of the plans.
However, council officers have been satisfied that the proposal development has been “carefully and sympathetically considered” and have awarded planning permission.
One objector said: “The proposal would result in a significant increase in vehicular traffic along the B class Glenlonan public road which is a narrow single track road, with limited passing places.
“The road is already under strain from existing use of residents, and by people who already visit the applicants’ current holiday business.
“Any further increase in traffic would raise serious concerns for road safety, accessibility for emergency services, general public convenience, and for the cyclists who use this route as a designated cycle path.
“The increased vehicle movements associated with both the construction phase and the eventual occupation of the development are incompatible with the current infrastructure and would likely lead to congestion, damage to verges, and an increased risk of accidents.”
A planning officer responded: “The applicant worked closely with the council’s roads authority prior to the submission of the planning application in order to understand their requirements with regards to the impact of the development on the public road network.
“As a result of these pre-application discussions, in their formal response to the planning application, the roads authority raised no objection to the proposed development subject to a number of conditions being imposed on the grant of permission, the details of which have been agreed with the applicant.”
Among the comments made by supporters was: “The applicants’ existing venture, Inver Lonan Bothies, has already proven their dedication to creating eco-conscious tourism opportunities. With nature preservation at its core, the business enhances rather than disrupts the landscape.
“The proposed boutique hotel at Ballygowan Farm promises to further this ethos by offering a low impact, high quality visitor experience that respects the quiet charm and ecology of the area.
“By integrating design that is sympathetic to the landscape and honouring the farm’s surroundings, this development will attract nature loving guests and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.”
The planning officer added: “Officers are satisfied that the proposed development has been carefully and sympathetically considered, retaining, repairing and extending the existing traditional buildings achieving a development which will integrate well within the site and the wider landscape where it will not give rise to any adverse visual impact.
“The proposal represents a development which will benefit the local economy in accordance with one of the central challenges for Argyll and Bute, that of delivering sustainable economic growth.”
