Opposition rebuilds against Lonan Drive housing plan

Oban Community Council will object to a renewed plan to build more than 40 homes on green space near the town's Lonan Drive, following representations from half a dozen residents at its meeting on Monday.

 

The developers behind the plans have changed. Instead of TSL contractors, it is now the landowner, Drimvargie Properties Ltd, which is seeking renewed planning permission in principle.

 

TSL’s application to build the homes had been approved in principle at a public hearing, winning by a casting vote.

 

Community councillor Stuart McIver said at the meeting on March 27: "We are now at the end of the three years. It is normally up to the applicant to then put in for an extension, which would give them another three years.

 

"Oban Community Council did put in objections the last time. I have no doubt a lot of people would like to object. I also think Oban Community Council should put in its  objection.

 

"Personally, I think it is a stupid place to build houses. It is in a hollow. It is going to get dampness. They will all end up ill. It is a ridiculous situation and should never have been allowed."

 

Community councillor Neil MacIntyre said: "It was so contentious the last time, I think everyone deserves for it to go back properly. When you have had such a long delay over anything happening, I think it has to go back to everyone local again to have another say."

 

"It is an absolute outrage this could just be going through on the nod," said one local resident. "Forty six houses could mean almost 90 vehicles going in and out."

 

He said up to 60 per cent of the area is covered in Japanese knotweed and wanted Argyll and Bute Council to require an eradication plan.

 

Community councillor Duncan Martin said: "They are not going to eradicate knotweed in three years. If they started tomorrow, and to prove they had actually got rid of it all, it would take about five years."

 

A second resident said: "It does not really matter about knotweed. Environmentally it is a dreadful place to build houses. The other argument is the access. Quite frankly, that narrow chicane through which traffic needs to go could be a death trap for young children at congested times. It does not matter what you do in the valley - that condition remains.

 

"Those of us who have been in and about this since it started will know there had been a division of opinion in the roads department. Some officers were against it. Other officers were in favour.

 

"If the council agrees to this, you are going to have 46 houses down there, a large number of children. Who is going to be responsible and feel guilty if there is accident? It is almost inevitable with a narrow access like that."

 

Community council convener Frank Roberts said: "Clearly there is enormous opposition to this and lots of good reasons for it.

 

"I think we are in agreement that no-one really wants this to happen. Please be assured, the community council is definitely on your side with this one."