A GROUP of green-fingered Ross-shire enthusiasts have been given the green light to create their own allotments despite huge opposition from the local community.
Petitions signed by 259 people and 33 objections were sent to Highland Council because of the Lochbroom and Ullapool Gardeners and Growers Society’s plans to create the plots.
It had sought consent to establish the plots on open land near Morefield Place close to the River Ullapool which is a popular walking spot for local people.
A polytunnel and shed with a composting toilet will be built on the land with a car park for four vehicles, after the council’s North planning applications committee which met in Inverness this week approved the recommendation to grant permission.
Local residents had claimed the allotments on the land, which is covered in bracken and gorse, were not appropriate to the location and would be an “eyesore”.
Householders also questioned the impact on wildlife, although the council’s statutory consultee Scottish Natural Heritage raised no objections and claimed “intense city-style” allotments would not be in keeping with the character of the west coast village.
Fears the area would become untidy, unsightly and open to potential vandalism were also made.
Committee member and Ullapool resident Councillor George Farlow said he knew the area well and described it as a valuable local amenity but backed the council’s allotment policy.
See the full story in this week's Ross-shire Journal.
