Highland Council approves plan for controversial bistro and gift shop at Loch Ness-side beauty spot near Falls of Foyers
Controversial plans for a new bistro and gift shop close to a popular Loch Ness-side tourist attraction have been approved - despite strong objections in the community.
Applicant Louise Elies is planning to erect the one-and-a-half storey building on land within the grounds of Foyers House, close to paths for the famous Falls of Foyers.
She said the plans, which also include an owners’ flat on the upper floor, would create four jobs.
A design statement lodged with the application by Ms Elies' agents, WA MacDonald Building Design, said: "The bistro will operate all year-round and is the perfect destination for people to sit down and relax after exploring everything Foyers has to offer.
"The gift shop will sell tourism merchandise and benefit from tourists visiting the Loch Ness and other nearby attractions."
But the proposals have sparked concern among some in the community.
Critics, which include the Stratherrick and Foyers Community Council, argue that the bistro and shop’s location near a “blind bend” poses a serious danger to traffic and pedestrians.
And they also claim that the business itself is unnecessary, given the location of the Foyers Stores and Waterfall Café just a few dozen metres away. That site is also on the market and available for purchase, and it is understood that some form of possible community buy-out is being considered.
The presence of another café nearby - and one which is even available to buy - led the community council and others to question the need for a second business virtually next door.
In their objection they said: “There is already an existing and well-supported shop and café located approximately 50 metres from the proposed site.
“The introduction of a second, directly adjacent business of the same nature raises questions of sustainability and long-term viability.
“Rather than enhancing the local economy, it risks diluting the customer base, undermining both businesses, and contradicting principles of sustainable development as outlined in [planning policies]”.
The council’s forestry team, meanwhile, also lodged an initial objection as the plans will include the felling of upwards of 10 established trees, and the buildings will also risk encroaching onto the root systems of others.
It subsequently withdrew its objection after it emerged that 13 new native trees will be planted and measures will be taken to mitigate the car park’s impact on tree root systems.
But it added that it was “disappointing” that the layout of the site did not appear to have been redesigned “at all” in response to a tree survey, even if this was a likely “consequence” of overhead power lines placing restraints on the land.
Despite the local concerns and comments from the council's forestry officers the planning department has granted approval under delegated powers.
In its report granting approval, planning officer Ross Cubey said: "The proposed development aligns well with the aims and policies of the National Policy Framework.
"The national spatial strategy promotes sustainable, liveable, and productive places, with a strong emphasis on supporting rural communities and addressing the climate and nature crises.
"The Local Place Plan for Foyers identifies existing cafés, hotels, and the campsite as important community assets. These facilities provide essential services, employment, and support the local tourism economy.
"The proposed shop and café will complement these uses, enhancing the local service offer and contributing to the vitality of the settlement."
They added that the council’s transport planning team had no objection to the proposals after their initial concerns were addressed.
These included a redesigned access “that prioritises pedestrians”, the removal of proposed blister paving and dropped kerbs, and improved annotation of the planned turning areas.
In response to local concerns over road safety, the planning officer added: “The proposal has been reviewed by Transport Planning, who have deemed the access arrangements acceptable, subject to compliance with recommended conditions.”