Crunch time for Ullapool pods' plan as concerned opponents lobby Ross-shire councillors ahead of planning committee – and firm behind scheme insist it's good news for area
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THE developer behind hotly contested plans for a tourist development in Wester Ross insists it's good news for the area – despite a 1100-strong petition opposing it.
Activists against plans for nine visitor 'pods' and staff accommodation for two at Braes of Ullapool have sent letters to every member of the North Planning Committee ahead of next week's meeting asking them to reject the bid.
Ballachulish-based businessman Laurence Young, will have his planning application considered on Tuesday.
There have been over 230 local objections registered to the bid with a petition also surpassing 1100 signatures. Last September, over 100 residents held a protest march.
They are concerned with the loss of an amenity to a popular local attraction, the dangers posed by an increased traffic volume on a road which has no footpath, the access from a dangerous junction and the damage to flora and fauna.
Ullapool residents against the bid are keen to have their concerns raised and are petitioning individual members to ensure local feelings are heard.
Resident Robbie McFedries said: "There is overwhelming local opposition to this development and we are hopeful that our representations are listened to and considered when this goes in front of the committee. With local elections just over a week away, we have faith that members on the committee remain committed to local engagement and representing the interests and needs of our community."
Ben Muller, who lives adjacent to the proposed development site, said: "This will add little to the local economy but will have a negative impact on a peaceful residential area, with increased traffic and noise volume from construction workers and guests at the development. We are concerned about the dangers posed to pedestrians who have to walk on the road which does not have a footpath, especially the children who walk to and from school every day. The junction access is particularly dangerous with speeding cars and limited visibility, which will inevitably lead to an accident. The planning committee must listen to local objections and reject this proposal."
Mr Young, of Woodlands Ullapool, said: "We are pleased that the application is coming to committee – and with the planning department’s recommendation for approval. This has been a long, long application process and over 18 months we have all worked hard to listen to local objections and to change and develop the small scheme in response to concerns.
"The team at Woodlands are passionate about the Highlands and in supporting the local economy with quality, well paid jobs. Our business generates taxes which go to supporting the villages, communities and infrastructure which we all benefit from and enjoy. With a real focus on the environment, we 'walk the talk' in operating sustainable tourism.
"Since our initial application in 2020, events over the intervening months simply seem to highlight the positive nature of the proposal. Brexit, covid and global economic turmoil serve to highlight the importance of tourism to the Highlands. Everyone is aware of the shortage of contemporary, quality accommodation and the Highland Council Tourism Strategy points to the real need for improved services and facilities.
"Recent concerns over road safety, community access and construction disruption seem to ignore all the work that has gone on around this scheme over the months and the changes that have been made. The reports of Government agencies, Highland Council departments, independent consultants and our own professional advisors all provide evidence that many of the concerns articulated may be groundless. We have noted from the outset that some of those who shout the loudest against the scheme, themselves run a tourism business on the Braes!
"The reality is that this small development will only bring benefit to the area. The existing commercial forest will be replaced with native woodland and the wider upper Braes area is to be opened to public access with proper parking, paths and interpretation for locals and visitors alike."
Related: 100 people turn out for Braes' protest
