Planning permission has been granted for eight new homes in Kilcreggan, despite objections from members of the public.
The proposals by Portkil Seaview Estate for the site on Fort Road attracted concerns from three objectors about the state of the access road, noise and the inclusion of a footpath.
This is the sixth time that a planning application for this area, which is classed as a site of importance for nature conservation, has been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council.
But an Argyll and Bute planning official decided to grant planning permission this week, without referring the matter to elected councillors, saying the development had ‘a high standard of design and sits comfortably with the existing settlement structure’.
The plans also include the realignment of the junction between Fort Road and the B833 Rosneath Road, as well as widening Fort Road itself.
An objector said: “The access road is in a terrible state of repair, there are no signs up and grass verges are being destroyed and cars damaged.
“The new properties and construction vehicles will bring additional traffic, wear and tear and increased road safety concerns including impact on a 100-year-old culvert. As such road improvements are required.”
The planning official responded: “The site has been the subject of a number of applications and approvals. In each one the area roads manager has assessed road safety issues.
“As such comprehensive improvements have been agreed and are underway. On this application the area roads manager has indicated no objections subject to conditions.”
The officer also responded to a concern that previous work on the site went on until 9pm by saying that there were no specific limits on construction traffic or working hours.
They added: “Permission already exists for four detached properties and it is now intended to turn these detached units into eight semi-detached houses.
“In total, if approved, this will take overall numbers on this site to 20. The proposed houses will be accessed off of the adjoining Fort Road.
“The development has a high standard of design and sits comfortably with the existing settlement structure which comprises a mix of house styles.
“There is no specific defined edge to the existing settlement boundary and a scheme of boundary planting is proposed which will give a specific and defensible end to the settlement.
“The proposed houses will not impact on the character and amenity of adjoining houses and the surrounding area. In addition, the development will not detrimentally impact on the local nature conservation area.
“As such, it is considered that the proposal can be justified as a minor departure to policies.”
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