PLANS have been revealed for a former care home near Garelochhead to be converted into individual letting suites.
The site of the Rockville facility, off the B833 road, is the subject of an application for planning permission by Aureus Property Solutions Ltd.
It is proposed to convert the home into accommodation with capacity for 13 guests, primarily personnel and contractors working at Faslane Naval Base.
Argyll and Bute Council’s planning officers are expected to rule on the application by mid-October, with the public now able to view plans and submit feedback.
A transport statement submitted with the application said: “While operating as a care home, the building accommodated up to eight residents and generated vehicle activity associated with visitors for residents; staff arriving/departing throughout the day; shift changeovers; management visits; visiting healthcare professionals; deliveries and contractors, maintenance and cleaners.
“The care home is not currently operational, and it has therefore not been possible to carry out a traffic survey. In the absence of survey data, reference has been made to the TRICS (Trip Rate Information Computer System) database to provide an estimate of previous traffic generation.
“Applying the care home trip rates identified in TRICS suggests an estimated 14 arrivals and 14 departures across the day for the care home.
“The proposed managed accommodation would have capacity for up to 13 guests, primarily serving personnel and contractors working at HM Naval Base Clyde, Faslane.
“The majority of trips associated with the accommodation will therefore be travelling to and from work. Faslane is only 2.3 miles from the proposed accommodation, a journey which takes less than 15 minutes if cycling, which is a realistic and attractive alternative to driving.
“Given the common origin and destination for most if not all guests, it is reasonable to assume that car sharing will also take place for journeys to and from work at Faslane.”
The statement added: “The review of travel demand demonstrates that the previous care home use generated regular vehicle movements associated with residents, staff, visitors, healthcare professionals, deliveries and maintenance activities.
“TRICS-based estimates indicate that the former use generated approximately 28 two-way vehicle movements per day.
“The proposed accommodation will serve a relatively small number of guests, the majority of whom are expected to travel to HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane. Given the proximity of the site to Faslane, opportunities for cycling and car sharing are considered realistic and attractive.
“Consequently, it is concluded that the proposed development will not result in a material increase in traffic generation or a significant intensification of use of the existing access when compared with the lawful former use.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 26/01346/PP.
