Closed Oban garden centre planned to become student accomodation

A statement by Beaton and McMurchy Architects Ltd said: “The proposal is to provide small but desperately needed student/worker accommodation modular units for a temporary period on site for 10 years.

“Each unit contains a bedroom/living area and a shower room together with small external amenity space and car parking. The units would be two storeys high and constructed a very short distance from the site within the Combie Street yard of the applicant, Oban Joinery Services (OJS).

“For several years, the applicant has championed, developed and pursued the building and use of modular accommodation units to, in part, address the increasing levels of chronic housing shortage that currently exists within Argyll.

“The lack of housing provision is a serious and unfortunately well embedded problem in the area. Every avenue must therefore be explored to assist towards a solution where key and other workers roles cannot be filled because of a desperate lack of housing accommodation.

“The proposed units aim to assist in providing temporary accommodation for workers or students coming to the area and as a first step to them, on the property ladder. The need is great for low cost, modular, sustainable accommodation which these units will provide.”

“The site of the former Cakebreads Garden Centre would seem ideally suited to accommodate several modular accommodation units.

“The site is flat, is not subject to flooding, accessible to all services, within a short walking distance to transportation and the town centre etc. and neighbours existing housing at McCall Terrace.”

SAMS deputy director Professor Axel Miller said: "SAMS welcomes the creation of more accommodation in Oban that will be suitable for students. Through SAMS and UHI Argyll, we are gradually growing the student population in the town. 

"Oban, like other parts of the country, has a limited supply of suitable accommodation for students. Some stay with us for a semester and others for four years or more, so we have been versatile in our approach to seeking viable solutions. 

"This proposed development would help to ease the difficulty in finding student housing solutions for the diverse visitors who wish to make Oban their home."

To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal and use the reference number 24/01594/PPP.