Black Isle glamping pods’ Fairy Glen Retreats bid hits flood fear stumbling block
PROPOSALS for five glamping pods in a popular area of the Black Isle have triggered a flood risk objection.
As previously reported, a bid to install the pods north of Whinhill Quarry depot in Rosemarkie has been tabled with Highland Council.
A statement submitted on behalf of applicant Toby Watson says the pods, close to visitor hotspot the Fairy Glen and less than a mile from the centre of Rosemarkie, will be a year-round operation meeting demand from visitors and providing a boost to the local economy.
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The ‘high-end’ pods, boasting wood-burning hot tubs, would be constructed off site and delivered as full units.
But the proposal currently under consideration by Highland Council has drawn an objection - for now - from the Dingwall flood risk management team.
It states: “Part of the site has been identified as being at risk of pluvial flooding on SEPA’s indicative flood maps. This may indicate that part of the site is low lying and prone to surface water ponding. The applicant has acknowledged the risk and, although one of the proposed pods is located in the flood risk area, has assumed that the risk can be manged by directing the water into the site’s surface water drainage system.”
It goes on: “No topographic information has been provided and so it is not clear if the predicted surface water flood risk realistic. The site photographs appear to show that the site is relatively flat. In order to better understand the potential risk, the applicant should provide topographic information that shows existing and proposed ground levels on the site.
“If this does show the potential for surface water ponding on the site, the applicant will need to demonstrate that this can be managed within the site without flooding the development or increasing flood risk elsewhere.”
It adds: “The applicant will need to demonstrate that ground conditions are suitable for soakaways and that runoff from rainfall events up to and including a 1 in 200 year plus climate change return period can be managed within the site without flooding the pods or increasing flood risk to others.”
More information has been invited.
In addition, Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council says that while it can’t see a problem with the site being used for glamping pods, it has a number of concerns.
One is the absence of a pedestrian route from Roemarkie which has prompted some road safety concerns.
It also says the site seems to be overdeveloped in terms of its ability to manage wasre water “and it isn’t clear how the hot tubs will be managed without chemicals”.
It says: “We are keen to protect local biodiversity.”
The applicant sees the development as offering luxury holiday accommodation to visitors within a suitable travelling distance of Rosemarkie, Fortrose and Inverness. He believes it’s an ecologically viable proposal which will cause minimal disruption.
It will target couples and small families with party groups “not permitted”. He does not anticipate noise nuisance being an issue as there are no neighbouring properties.
A supporting statement says: “There is a clear demand for tourist accommodation within the area as outlined in the accompanying market research document. Other glamping sites in this area and across the Highlands are thriving, and increasing numbers of visitors suggest this trend will continue.”
It says Fairy Glen Retreats will “provide a new and exciting accommodation option for Rosemarkie and the surrounding area offering a unique relaxing and sustainable stay in nature”.
The proposal is under consideration by Highland Council. Background documentation can be viewed on the Highland Council ePlanning portal.
