DISLODGED
Local OAP KOs billionaire Dubai sheik’s plan to build on Highland estate
BY STUART MacDONALD THE billionaire ruler of Dubai has lost a battle to build a lodge for family members at his Scottish estate following a backlash from locals.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum wanted to expand his Inverinate Estate in the Highlands by erecting a six-bedroom building designed to accommodate his relatives.
The proposal led to 31 objections being made to Highland Council by residents who said it was too close to a neighbouring bungalow and would spoil the natural beauty of the area at Loch Duich.
Roddy Macleod, 71, whose home of 35 years sits just 20 metres from the proposed lodge, said the new building in Wester Ross would invade his privacy and spoil his enjoyment of his property. The sheikh’s application was refused at a meeting of the local authority’s north planning applications committee – despite planning officials recommending that it should be approved. Councillor
Maxine Smith, the chair of the committee, led a motion to block the proposal because of the house’s size and its proximity to Roddy’s property.
She said: “I really don’t understand why they need to build right next to somebody else.
“Putting that massive mansion right next to a small bungalow is just awful for the people who live in that place.”
The 70-year-old sheikh, who has six wives and 23 children. has an estimated £14billion fortune and bought the estate more than 20 years ago.