Highland councillors recommended to approve plans to convert farm buildings into visitor facilities for rewilding project near Loch Ness despite concerns
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A proposed project to convert farm buildings near Loch Ness into new maintenance, visitor and educational facilities is being recommended for approval despite traffic and water concerns from community leaders.
Solarsanctuary has applied to Highland Council for permission to carry out the project on the Bunloit Estate at Drumnadrochit which was bought by green entrepreneur Jeremy Leggett with the help of a crowdfunder.
The farm buildings conversion is the first plan submitted although there are wider plans for rewilding.
The application will be discussed by Highland Council’s south planning applications committee today.
It is intended the converted farm buildings will provide a base and toilets for estate rangers and other members of the Bunloit rewilding team such as scientists as well as public visitors and school groups on a seasonal basis.
But Glenurquhart Community Council has objected to the plan.
It acknowledges the application is for the restoration and repurposing of existing agricultural buildings and understands it is the first phase of a larger project which includes elements of rewilding, housing, commercial and visitor attractions.
It states the application, and the impact on surrounding infrastructure needs to be considered within the context of the overall project which represents a significant development on designated hinterland that does not conform with the Inner Moray Firth plan.
A report to be submitted to the committee states: “The application could significantly increase the traffic on the Bunloit road, which is a steep single-track road, with very poor sight lines in some parts, too few passing places, and is currently in poor repair in areas.
“The road is shared with walkers (part of the Great Glen Way), cyclists and horses. It is not suitable for heavy goods traffic which this particular application will bring during the building phase and potentially in future phases when proposed commercial units and additional housing units are completed.
“As an ‘all year’ round facility, this development has potential to impact traffic levels year-round.”
It also feels the application does not adequately address the impact on the overall water supply for existing residents and is concerned about waste water potentially impacting on neighbouring water supplies.
But in recommending approval, planning officers maintain the proposed re-use of the steading would be in line with the Highland-wide Local Development Plan as it would provide for a tourist facility outwith a settlement.
They also believe traffic impacts can be mitigated with carriageway widening or passing places.
Pioneering rewilding project aims to reverse estate from net carbon source
