CONCERNS have been expressed over a proposed Rhu development which council officers have recommended for approval despite 18 objections.
Kyle Kennedy’s proposal for the building of a house on land between Lagarie Lodge and Lagarie House will be ruled on by councillors next week.
But residents have voiced fears about Lagarie House’s B-listed status, along with its location in a conservation village, and a perceived lack of communication with the community council.
Argyll and Bute Council officials have said that consultation with the community council is only required in instances where the amenity of the site is affected.
An application for planning permission for a house at the site, by a different applicant, was approved in May 2024 despite 24 objections.
However, objectors have highlighted that an application for a single house on the proposed side was refused in 1989 and rejected on appeal a year later.
The application will be discussed by the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee at its meeting on Tuesday, November 18.
An objector told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Where the entry had the parking at the front, it now has a long road going right across the land from front to back to a concrete parking pad that is the same size as the footprint of the build they propose.
“If you look at the plan you would see how easy it would be to build the first house and then apply for another house…precedent is set and much harder to fight planning.
“Lagarie House is in a conservation village, is a list B building and to get access for only one property they are going to make another access onto the A814 – almost directly across from the Naval Base Clyde off-site centre.”
In a statement, the objector also said: “The need for conservation villages is crucial to prevent the erosion of beautiful and historic buildings. You let one fall, and it becomes easier to topple the rest.
“So, we must ask ourselves: Are we serious about conversation, or are we merely giving lip service to it?
“If we are, then we must be prepared to defend that status and all it stands for. We must protect all attempts that violate the character and appearance of these magnificent and historic buildings and areas of outstanding beauty.
“Because, as stated, once gone, they are gone forever. Let’s not allow Lagarie House’s fate to be that of Cairndhu – a victim of planning run rampant. The line needs to be drawn, so let’s draw it here.”
The A-listed Cairndhu House, in Helensburgh, has recently had housing added to its site.
In relation to the 1989 decision and appeal, made before Argyll and Bute Council was formed, an officer said: “This is noted, however, it is confirmed that the previous decision simply confirms that the principle of development was determined to be unacceptable having regard to the detail of the proposal, development plan policy and circumstances at the point in time that the appeal decision was made.
“A substantial period of time has elapsed since the appeal decision and within this time the relevant development plan and other relevant policy considerations have been superseded by subsequent iterations of the Local Development Plan and national policy and guidance and accordingly it is necessary for any decision on the current application to be assessed against these revised provisions and in relation to the current circumstances of the site and its surrounds.
“It should also be noted that the most recent application for this site was approved in May 2024 for a single house.”
They added: “The authority is only required to consult with the community council on applications where the proposed development is likely to affect the amenity of the area.
“In this instance officers do not consider that the proposed development affects the amenity of the area (see assessment below). Furthermore, the community council can choose to submit a consultee response, however, they have not in this instance.”
The official’s handling report also said: “The proposal lies within the Rhu Conservation Area and the residential property adjacent to the West, Lagarie House which is a category B listed building.
“Additionally, within the vicinity is the category A listed Ardencaple Hotel. As such, the impact of the proposed development on the historic environment is a determining factor.
“In addition, the proposed development has been assessed more generally with regard to siting, scale, massing form, and detailed design in relation to the aim of respecting and reflecting the visual character of the existing built development pattern; and protecting local residential amenity.
“Having regard to all material considerations it is considered that the proposal is acceptable.”
