Decision due on controversial caravan park

Highland Holidays are seeking permission to make changes, including the siting of 50 permanent units, at Oban Caravan and Camping Park on Gallanach Road.

29 objections and 14 expressions of support were received by Argyll and Bute Council planning officers.

The planning, protective services and licensing committee is due to decide on March 19.

A council planning officer said in a handling report: “The main thrust of the objections raised relate to the unsuitability of the public road from which the application site is accessed and potential landscape impacts.

“In this regard the applicant has worked closely with the council’s roads authority to agree the proposed access regime to serve the proposed development.

“It is considered that the proposed development would be of an appropriate scale to the natural and built surroundings and would integrate appropriately with the landscape setting. The site when viewed from Kerrera to the north and west from the public road is significantly backdropped as it is set against steep-sided hills which are contained within a vast highland mountainous backdrop.

“It is therefore the considered opinion of the planning authority that the proposal will not result in any significant adverse effects on the integrity of the area or the qualities for which it has been identified.

“It is important to note that the site is a well-established caravan and camping site which has planning permission to be used for the siting of 15 static caravans, 150 tents/touring caravans/motorhomes, 15 tents and six chalets which can be used all year round.

“The proposed development is essentially for the change of use of two small parcels of land to enlarge the site boundary; the siting of an additional 50 units/caravans/lodges: repositioning of six pods; repositioning of three chalets for use as permanent staff accommodation; siting of water tanks; provision of private water supply and the installation of a sewage treatment plant.”

The officer added: “It is the opinion of the planning authority that the representations received, together with officer assessment of the relevant planning issues contained within this report, provide all the information required to enable members to make an informed decision based on all of the material planning considerations in this case.”