Plan for private and affordable houses as well as commercial properties

Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing (PPSL) Committee has approved a strategic masterplan for development at Lephain on the outskirts of Tobermory on Mull. A medium scale housing proposal which includes affordable housing, land for business expansion, a road and footpath network and an element of structural planting, this is a real boost for the area.

A masterplan describes and maps an overall development concept, including present and future land use, urban design and landscaping, infrastructure and local services. This plan will provide a structured approach to creating a clear and consistent framework for development.

An area of light industrial use will be created behind the island biscuit bakery with up to 12 low density housing units, half of which will be affordable units, primarily for employees of the bakery or the nearby Sgriobruadh farm.

Delivering a development solution that puts people first and recognises the unique character of Lephain, the plan stipulates that any development should merge with the existing landscape with pedestrian, cycle and road links being built throughout the site to connect to the existing path/road networks.

Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, and member of the PPSL Committee, Councillor Roddy McCuish said of the plans: ‘’This is great news for the area. I particularly welcome the creation of affordable housing units for local employees. We want industrial developments because they create jobs but we need to ensure that there is modern, warm and safe housing for the people doing the jobs. One is intrinsically linked to the other and I am pleased to see this common sense approach being taken.

‘’The local planning officers have worked with the architects throughout the process of developing this plan, providing them with high quality, professional advice at every stage. Our planning service works  proactively with private developers, guiding them through the process and ensuring their designs are appropriate.’’

Policy lead for planning, Councillor David Kinniburgh, said of the decision: ‘’This is a real good news story for the area and will allow for the site to be developed in a sensible, sustainable way which benefits both the developer and the community. This is a key focus of the council’s overall planning policy; we work to support the ambitions of individuals while protecting the interests of the wider community, in this instance local people working at the nearby businesses.

‘’The overall focus of the council’s planning service is on making things happen, supporting sustainable economic growth and regeneration.  This is another demonstration of our open for business approach, working with developers to ensure a best fit for all.’’

A phased approach will be taken to reduce the impact on the surrounding environment.

For further information see the masterplan proposals at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/Planning/lg/GFPlanningDocuments.page