OBAN’S Premier Inn hotel has been given permission to install two air source heat pumps at its town centre premises.
Whitbread PLC’s application to Argyll and Bute Council for planning permission was given the go-ahead after no representations were received from the public.
The Shore Street hotel has been open since February 2019, replacing the demolished former Harbour Bowl bowling alley.
A council planning officer said in a handling report: “The application is seeking to establish the installation of two air source heat pumps which is not considered to be a significant travel generating use or a proposal where it is considered important to monitor travel patterns resulting from the development.
“Given that three parking space will be lost to accommodate the siting of the air source heat pumps the application further proposes to removal of the LPG (liquified petroleum gas) gas tanks which will allow for the formation of three parking spaces.
“The agent has submitted an amended plan annotating the three LPG tanks are to be removed to allow for the formation of the three replacement parking spaces.
“The area roads have advised no objections subject to the temporary boiler being removed at the earlies opportunity to reinstate the parking bays.”
The official added: “The proposal, providing a renewable energy development to improved energy efficiency and comfort levels in the hotel is considered to fit with the broad aims of National Planning Framework 4 policy 26 and Local Development Plan 2 policy 22, economic development.
“It is considered that the small scale renewable energy proposal is an appropriate development which fits with the overarching spatial principles and policies.
“The development has been assessed against all of the above potential constraints and designations and has been determined to raise no issues or concerns except for any specifically referred to within this summary assessment.”
