Loch Awe pods approved despite objections

Argyll and Bute Council has approved a controversial plan to build 10 holiday pods at Portsonachan.

 

The proposal by Holidays Direct Marketing, which also includes the formation of vehicular access and parking, went before councillors on the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee on June 21.

 

The application sought a change of use of land to allow a small scale holiday development comprising 10 pods.

 

But the plans, for land between Achnakeep and Schoolhouse Cottages, raised 37 objections.

 

One objector was Glenorchy and Innishail Community Council (G&ICC).

 

"This area is classed as a Settlement Zone - Village/Minor Settlement, whereby any development must be of a small scale with the capability to be absorbed by the village," wrote G&ICC's then convener John Kerr in August 2022.

 

"The local development plan also recognises the high quality of the local rural landscape. The application, which we believe to be phase 1 of a development of 35 pods, clearly does not meet these tests.

 

"G&ICC also ask that you consider the implication of Bad Neighbour Policies as there will certainly be a great increase in noise, particularly late at night, and increase in the levels of external and internal lighting, both directly affecting immediate neighbours.

 

"We express concern over the increased use of the only road, the single-track B840, which is already under great pressure, and the inevitable increase in poor roadside parking particularly as it affects the safety of walkers and cyclists.

 

"Other material issues would be the potential for flooding the B840 and surrounding properties caused by poor storm water run-off provision, and the pollution of Loch Awe and ground water via inadequate sewage treatment maintenance.

 

"G&ICC held a well attended extraordinary meeting in Portsonachan on August 10 to discuss the application. [The minutes] clearly express the opposition to this application within the community."

 

The minutes from Argyll and Bute Council's meeting on June 21 conclude: "Issues raised by third parties have all been assessed and in this instance it is not considered by planning officers that the objections raise any complex or technical issues that have not been addressed in the report.

 

"The proposed development is considered to be wholly consistent with, and actively supported by, the provisions of the adopted National Policy as underpinned by the LDP (Local Development Plan) and it was recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed in the report of handling."

 

The application was approved as per the recommendation in the report. No vote was taken.