COUNCIL officers are being asked for their opinions on a proposed new operational building at the Ministry of Defence’s Coulport base.
Warehouses, training space and office space are among the facilities being considered for the proposed three-storey structure.
The facility is proposed to enable current activities at RNAD Coulport to continue for the future class of Dreadnought submarines. No further resource will be required for its operation.
Argyll and Bute Council is expected to submit its views to the Ministry of Defence by the end of November, with plans available for the public to view.
A statement by Tetra Tech said: “The proposal is to construct a new building which will include general warehousing/assembly/training space covering about half the building and offices covering the other half together with ancillary welfare facilities.
“The offices will have a capacity for approximately 40 people and operate regular office hours. The technical facility will be utilised regularly as part of initial training programme and will then operate in line with the frequency of base activities.
“The building will have an overall GIFA of approximately 2100sqm. The building height will be up to three storeys equating to a 15m ridge height.
“The proposals also include associated infrastructure and engineering works that involve ground works and retaining walls, the removal of vegetation, the demolition of the existing building on site, the formation of roads and hardstanding areas including three parking spaces, drainage and landscaping.
“It is considered that the environmental matters that are likely to arise from a development of this nature would be limited given the nature of the end use as an operational support building.
“The site is located within the RNAD Coulport base and is within the part of the base that is identified in the local development plan (LDP) as business and industrial land. The proposed development utilises a previously developed brownfield site.
“On the basis of the above, the proposed building is consistent with the LDP policies in terms of location and land use.
“As such the proposed land use is not likely to result in significant impacts on the environment of a magnitude that would require EIA (environmental impact assessment).”
To view the plans, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 25/01812/SCREEN.
