Mull barn planning row ends after five-month saga

The Torloisk Estate’s plans for the conversion, at a site west of Lagganulva Farm at Ulva Ferry, were first considered by councillors in May, with a decision deferred to allow further information to be sought.

The application has since been deferred on a further three occasions. Authority planning officers maintained their original recommendation that planning permission should be granted, despite more than 20 objections having been received.

Neutral representations were also submitted during the planning process, including one from Councillor Willie Hume (SNP, Oban South and the Isles).

The matter went before Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing (PPSL) Committee on Wednesday October 23.

The minutes record: "This application was presented to the PPSL Committee on 22 May 2024 and the Committee agreed to request from planning officers information on what the impact this proposed development would have on access to, and operation of, the remaining agricultural land.

"[A] supplementary report advised of late representations received and provided an update on the submission of the further information requested. 

"The planning officer advised that following publication of this supplementary report, a late representation was received from the tenant farmer regarding the agricultural report submitted by the applicant. A late email was also received from Councillor Hume requesting that the Committee undertake a site inspection."

The councillors agreed to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions and reasons detailed in the supplementary report.