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Decision deferred on controversial plans for £3 million holiday retreat in the Highlands


By Val Sweeney

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The derelict steading at Ladystone.
The derelict steading at Ladystone.

Councillors have deferred a decision on controversial plans for a £3 million rural holiday retreat to the west of Inverness.

The proposed venture – Blackstone Retreat – involves converting dilapidated agricultural buildings at Ladystone Steading above Bunchrew into 10 short-term holiday units.

Although Highland Council planning officers have recommended the project be approved in principle, members of the south planning applications committee agreed to defer a decision to enable more information including photographs – possibly using a drone – to be gathered.

The proposed project, which also includes a spa, gym, café, shop, bike hire, library and car park has been put forward by local businesswoman Christy Marshall.

Although access to the steading is from the A862, via the unadopted Ladystone Road, an alternative access is proposed via Leachkin Brae and part of a historic drove road.

But objectors have voiced concerns about increased traffic, saying Leachkin Brae is a narrow steep single track road with no footway and limited passing opportunities.

Aird and Loch Ness councillor Margaret Davidson asked for the deferral and described the access road as being in a "parlous" state.

"This application will rise and fall on the conditions of the road and the ability to meet the necessary conditions," she said.

Afterwards, Ms Marshall said: "We are, of course, disappointed the application is yet to be decided upon.

"However, we respect the committee’s request for further information to reach an informed decision."

She hoped it would be decided at the next planning applications meeting.

Related story: Holiday retreat set to get go-ahead despite opposition


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