REVISED plans for a former harbour house to be brought back into use as short-term let accommodation have been approved by council officers.
Spectrum Spirits Ltd submitted an amended proposal for the site in Pier Square, Ardrishaig, after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) objected to the original plans.
A separate application for listed building consent is awaiting a decision from Argyll and Bute Council, who received no representations from the public for the planning permission application.
A council official said in a handling report: “The application originally comprised the alteration and conversion of office and storage spaces in Piermasters House and the separate store building.
“Following flood risk concerns and submission of revised information, the applicant removed the store building entirely. The covering letter confirms that the remaining application is solely for Piermasters House only.
“The proposal seeks the change of use of the building to short term holiday letting use. The submitted plans show six guest bedrooms with ensuite facilities: two at ground floor and four at first floor, together with a shared lounge, circulation and ancillary facilities. The scheme proposes no changes to the external elevations.
“There is a direct relationship between the reuse of this underused canal-related building and the local plan objectives for redevelopment and environmental improvements; the designation is more than a general assertion that tourism is beneficial.
“The scheme retains a building which helps define the square and offers a viable ongoing use compatible with the visitor and harbour context.
“The potential for cumulative activity across Pier Square is considered through access and operational controls, without requiring the applicant to deliver unrelated improvements across land beyond the application.”
The document added: “The application is presented as conversion of office and associated space to short term let accommodation.
“Six guest bedrooms represent a modest accommodation operation contained within the existing building. Guests can support local shops, food businesses, canal activities and the wider visitor economy.
“The scale is appropriate to a village waterfront location, and use of the existing building avoids a dispersed pattern of tourism development.
“Regarding sustainable travel, the site is situated within the settlement area of Ardrishaig with access to local bus services and amenities. These sustainable travel methods can reduce the carbon emissions in relation to guests’ arrival to the site and their journeys around the local area.”
