Affordable housing plan for Drumnadrochit rejected on appeal by the Scottish Reporter after it was described as 'incongruous and overbearing'
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A PROPOSED Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) block of flats in Drumnadrochit has been rejected by the Scottish Reporter on the basis that it would be “incongruous and overbearing”.
The HHA lodged an appeal in January after being refused planning permission by Highland Council after failing to find a solution over the mass of its proposal at the village’s former Scotmid site.
The height and mass of the plans for 15 two-bedroom affordable flats over two and two-and-a-half storeys triggered five objections, including from Glen Urquhart Community Council.
A lengthy consultation with the local community failed to find a viable compromise and HHA forged on with its plans.
Council planning officials recommended approval but amid concerns of over-development, local councillors David Fraser and Margaret Davidson pushed for refusal. At the time, Cllr Davidson said she could not recall the last time she went against a proposal for affordable housing.
The reporter stated: “Due to the prominence of the proposed buildings, emphasised by their visibility over extended distances, their proximity to the A82, and the absence of any structures of a comparable scale/style in the vicinity, I agree with the council that the development, as proposed, would appear incongruous and overbearing.
“I am satisfied that the proposed development would not make a positive contribution to the architectural and visual quality of the surrounding area.”
