PLANS for a family entertainment and activity centre in Rothesay have been unanimously backed by councillors.
Argyll and Bute Council had recommended that planning permission should be granted for Adventure Lane CIC’s proposal for the former Trinity Church on Castle Street.
That was despite concerns from area roads engineers, who had recommended refusal due to concerns about parking nearby. The plans also attracted three objections from the public along with nine expressions of support.
Members of the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee unanimously agreed to award planning permission at their meeting on Wednesday, August 19.
Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle (SNP, Isle of Bute) said: “There is a proposal for the Albert Pier car park to be enhanced, which is to grow the number of spaces as well as adding safe coach parking. I do not know what the final designs are, but that is what is being proposed.
“We have also been examining active travel and how that can be enhanced. Sixty-five per cent of Bute lives or works in Rothesay, or within 1.5km, so the 20-minute neighbourhood operation is very deliverable.
“What the developers have done in keeping the beautiful features of the church, and incorporating them into the proposal, is very welcome.
“In terms of the use as a family destination for family activities, particularly activities that go within the full age range, this type of offering does not exist on Bute, and families are travelling off the island to access it.
“Our young people have expressed a need and desire for activities they can take part in on the island, and this proposal ensures that need.
“I understand the road objections, but essentially Rothesay is not built to accommodate large car parking schemes.”
Councillor Peter Wallace (Conservative, Isle of Bute) added: “Similarly to Councillor Kennedy-Boyle, I acknowledge the parking concerns, and it is a consideration, but the benefit it would bring to the town would outweigh that and I am certainly minded to support the application.”
