Controversial plans to alter the gate and boundary wall of an A-listed building in Rosneath were given the go-ahead in Lochgilphead today.
The work at the Ferry Inn had already started before the owners applied for planning and listed building permission from Argyll and Bute Council.
But planning officials said the plans did not detract from the character of the unique Lutyens building.
Historic Environment Scotland raised concerns, and there were objections from Rosneath and Clynder Community Council, as well as 13 residents.
But councillors agreed with their officials’ recommendation that a local hearing was not needed, approving both the plans at a meeting of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, which was held 65 miles from the site.
Councillor George Freeman submitted an amendment calling for a site visit and hearing as it would ‘add value to the decision-making process… on the impact that this development will have on this Category A listed building and the surrounding area’ but there were no seconders and this attempt was in vain.
After the meeting Tom O’Brien-Barden, one of the objectors, said the other councillors ‘did not see how out of context this wall is in relation to this beautiful building’ and that he was disappointed that the community council objection seemed to have been in vain.
He added: “There was an inability to understand the difference between stone and concrete breeze blocks and sadly some of the pictures presented where very dark and lacked detail.”
He said a public meeting locally would have allowed all the facts to be presented.
For details of objections and conditions, see this previous story.
Meanwhile the council has issued a statement saying its planning service was ‘focused on ensuring that Argyll and Bute is open for business and supporting economic growth by offering the high-quality service demanded by business and residential customers’.
The authority has presented its 2017/18 Planning Performance Framework (PPF) Annual Report for scrutiny and scoring, showing that 97.6% of applications were approved.
The document includes case studies ranging from a golf course on Jura to ‘early enagagement’ over the £18.6m Helensburgh waterfront development.
Of the Helensburgh plan, it states: “The work undertaken in advance of the application and the adherence to the processing agreement will ensure that the project is delivered in a timeous manner.”
In fact the project is already behind schedule – work was originally due to have started this summer.
The council says its planning service ‘a very distinct role of protecting Argyll and Bute’s exceptional built and natural environment, including 32 conservation areas, while finding ways of opening up new development opportunities for homes and businesses.
Policy lead for planning and regulatory services David Kinniburgh, who lives in Dumbarton, said: “I’m encouraged that the PPF shows how hard the council is working to dispel perceptions that planning and building regulations are a barrier to achieving your ambitions.
“I would like to congratulate our council staff, partners, communities and developers for driving forward positive change in our natural and built environment and making Argyll and Bute a great place to live, work and visit.”
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