Controversial plans for glamping pods in Grantown are refused
A unanimous decision has been reached to refuse planning permission for four glamping pods by Old Speybridge in Grantown.
Highland councillors agreed that the proposed development was 'not sympathetic to the traditional character, local vernacular, and distinctiveness' of the area.
The proposals stirred a strong community reaction with more than 50 objections after Neil McKenzie sought permission to develop a site 125 metres north east of Mid Anagach after falling in love with the area.
But Grantown Community Council objected on the grounds of access and parking, amenity and the environment describing the site as 'very sensitive' and warning that the development 'threatens wildlife of all kinds'.
Among the other objections were the impact on capercaillie and Anagach Woods Special Protection Area; loss of trees; site not zoned for development; noise and light pollution; and visual amenity because the ‘pods not in keeping with the area’.
Council planner Laura Stewart had recommended approval for the glamping pods to members of the council's South Planning Applications Committee meeting at Inverness headquarters yesterday.
But Badenoch and Strathspey councillor Bill Lobban told the chamber that this had left him 'astounded' as had it been a dwelling then it would have been thrown out immediately.
“I can think of so many reasons not to support this application,” he said.
“I am actually astounded that given the close proximity to the Anagach Woods and its special conservation area and one of the UK’s most endangered species that it is actually being recommended for approval.
“The site is actually in the protected boundary or across the road at the very best and I fail to see that a communication plan will have any impact whatsoever.
“What you are actually looking at here is not additional tourist accommodation on an existing site – it is a new build on a green field site.
"If it were a dwelling this would just be thrown out as out of hand and that dwelling would have fewer traffic issues than these wooden sheds do.
“I would also question the suggestion in the report that traffic would not be substantially above current levels – of course it will be, you are having four additional pods with a very minimum of four cars – so there will be an increase in the traffic.”
He added: “To my mind this is the right development in totally the wrong place.”
Related item:
Widespread community opposition to Grantown glamping pods plan
Fellow local councillor Russell Jones agreed, saying: “I have got major concerns over the access road – there are a lot of walkers and cyclists who access the Speyside Way there and a lot of them use that track as well, I think there are over 50,000 use the Speyside Way each year.
“I don’t have anything against pods in general and I don’t have anything against developments for holiday accommodation but pretty much along the same lines as Councillor Lobban said – it is a good development, I just think it is in totally the wrong place.”
Councillor Lobban’s motion to refuse was accepted unanimously based on the development not being 'sympathetic to the traditional character, local vernacular, and distinctiveness by way of design' and because the 50 per cent increase in traffic along the road would have 'a significant detrimental impact' on local amenity.
