PLANS for a new home in Rhu have been awarded planning permission, despite public concerns about the site being in a conservation area.
Kyle Kennedy’s proposed development on land between Lagarie Lodge and Lagarie House attracted a total of 18 objections from the public.
A councillor also voiced fears at a meeting about access to the site being from the main A814 road, as opposed to Torwoodhill.
However, planning permission was granted by Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Tuesday, November 18.
Councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) said: “I have no objection to the building itself at all, but I really do think opening out on to the A814 is not a good idea, especially as I can see there is an access to the back of the site to Torwoodhill.
“It is a road that must be one of the busiest in the whole of Argyll and Bute. About 5000 cars a day go past.
“I cannot understand why they are allowing that opening on to a rather busy and dangerous road when there is an alternative. I do think a site visit would be a good idea.”
Planning officer Emma Jane responded: “In terms of access on to Torwoodhill, it was explored with previous submissions, but the applicants do not have control over the existing access.
“Therefore, they cannot achieve the required visibility splays. Roads have provided a response of no objections on to the A814 in this instance.”
Councillor Howard then said: “That does not make it a good idea. Surely something could be done about getting access to Torwoodhill? People have objected mostly on these grounds.”
Ms Jane said: “The proposed access point is where the speed limit goes from 40mph to 30mph. Although visibility splays are required, vehicles would not be doing the set 40mph at that point.
“The alternative access has been explored before and is not an option.”
When the possibility of roads officers being brought into the meeting was raised, Councillor Audrey Forrest (SNP, Dunoon) said: “I see the issues, but I think we have had a comprehensive report from the road officers and we have to rely on their expertise.”
Councillor Howard added: “I understand what roads are saying and I understand it probably will not change anything, but I do not think we have a good picture of the situation.
“It is a scarily busy road and will only get busier when work starts at Faslane, so it would be good to have a site visit before a final decision.”
The committee’s chair, Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) then moved to grant the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Andrew Kain (Independent, Oban South and the Isles).
Councillor Howard’s request for a site visit did not find a seconder, and she asked that her dissent was recorded in minutes of the meeting. Planning permission was then granted.
