Crunch time for controversial Torloisk house plan

The proposal is for the conversion of a stone barn into a house, including an extension, a septic tank, and vehicular access. 

It will be connected to a private water supply, contrary to reported concerns of it being connected to the distant public supply. 

The proposed site on Torloisk estate is to the west of Lagganulva Farm. 

Since the plans were submitted in May, there have been 23 objections sent to the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing (PPSL) Committee.

These objections cover many areas, including: effects on the agricultural capabilities of the farm, the potential use of the house as a holiday let, and the historical significance of the current 19th century architecture. 

Some objections detailed how the development would lead to loss of agricultural land in a nearby field which is used to hold livestock such as sheep and pigs, and how this would contradict LSP2 policy 83 by weakening the agricultural power of the farm. It was also mentioned how crucial coastal farming is to the history and culture of the Isle of Mull. 

Further information regarding this policy has been requested from the applicant and tenant farmer to be discussed by the PPSL Committee. 

Planning officers have now recommended that more time is still needed to source the information needed before a decision can be made, recommending the plan be extended until the meeting on August 21. 

Notes in the council’s report detailed how the land is classified as class 5.2, meaning while it can be used as improved grassland, it is not suitable for use as land for pasture, and is therefore not ’prime agricultural land’. 

Others have questioned the estate’s plans for the home, not wanting it to be used as a holiday let but rather as a permanent residence due to Argyll and Bute’s ongoing housing crisis. 

Holiday can lets have the knock on effect of raising local property prices. Torloisk has in recent years converted some permanent residences on its land into holiday lets. 

One of the most common objections relates to the barn’s historical significance, as one of the rare 19th century barns still in use. Many site it as visually interesting and saying that it’s conversion into a holiday home is "disrespectful".