COUNCIL officials have approved upgrading work on a forest path at a site outside Oban.
Hugh Whittle’s proposal related to a track at Barnacarry Forest Block in Kilmore, and Argyll and Bute Council has now stated that no prior approval is required.
A council officer said upgrading work to the path, which is a little over 1km long, would not have a detrimental effect on the path or its surroundings.
They said in a handling report: “The applicant proposes to upgrade the existing 1036 metre long forest track to allow access for forestry operations and timber haulage.
“It is proposed to scrape down the existing track and add additional base material where necessary and then cap with 300mm of crusher run.
“The private way will be designed and constructed to Forestry and Land Scotland specification in line with Timber Transport Forum – The design and use of the structural pavement of unsealed roads 2020, of a suitable specification to support 44 tonne HGVs.
“Materials proposed will be won on site from along the road line or from existing borrow pits; crushed to the desired specification.
“It is considered that the proposed upgrading works to the existing forest track will not have a significant negative impact on the wider environment and is considered to be acceptable in terms of design.
“The forest is vast and can accommodate the works without any significant visual impact on the character and topography of the existing landscape.
“In addition, the proposed development would have no materially harmful impact upon the natural environment and the works are at least 25 metres from the public road and on this basis, there are no objections.”
