Transport officers raise questions over Dame Ann Gloag's planned holiday development near Beauly
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Controversial plans by business tycoon Dame Ann Gloag for a holiday development at her Beaufort Castle estate, near Beauly, have hit another stumbling block.
Transport officials have highlighted traffic issues regarding the proposed project which has already sparked objections from community representatives, fishing interests and a Highland Council forestry officer.
Previously-raised concerns include the impact on road safety, the environment and the scale of the development.
The council’s transport planning team has now said it cannot support the proposal until more information and clarification is provided on the potential increased levels of traffic, particularly at the junction of the A833 and A862.
The planning in principle application includes 50 lodges and a glamping field plus a small retail area and cafe.
But officers note traffic assessments are based only on 50 lodges, each generating one additional car.
“Unfortunately, the transport planning team cannot accept this estimate as it makes no allowance for staff trips to the site or servicing,” the team states in its response. “In addition, it is also likely that each lodge will generate multiple trips per day as residents are likely to go out on day trips to golf courses and other local attractions and travel to neighbouring shops to stock their self-catering units or go to restaurants/pubs further afield.
“Furthermore, it is proposed that the lodges would be a mix of one, two and three bedrooms. Therefore, the larger lodges could attract multiple families generating multiple numbers of cars for each lodge.
“Without agreement on the potential level of traffic this development may generate, the transport planning team cannot accept the assessment of the impact on the junction of the A833/A862 within the transport statement and therefore cannot at this time, support this application,” it says. “In order to provide any comment on the impact of this proposed development, the applicant is required to provide a more robust assessment of the potential trip generation.”
Transport officers also note the council’s forestry team objected to the removal of a significant area of woodland near the proposed access to achieve the required visibility splays.
They recommend the access is moved away from the bend in the road.
Nor are they satisfied sufficient levels of car parking have been demonstrated.
Improved access to public transport and active travel are also recommended.
Angus Dodds, of Savills Planning in Edinburgh, is handling the application.
“The project team is aware of the latest response from the transport planning team and is in the process of liaising with the council to address the issues raised,” he said.
The planning application has been lodged under the name of Edinburgh-based Gloag Investments, of which Mrs Gloag – who co-founded the international Stagecoach transport group – is a director.
An accompanying design statement maintains there is a need for such a development amid rising visitor numbers to the wider area and it would generate economic benefits for the local area.
But it has sparked strongly-worded objections from Kiltarlity Community Council, the Beauly Fishing Syndicate and individual residents.
Related story: More objections to proposed holiday development
