Fate of Tiree beach huts hangs in the balance
THE FATE of two beach huts built without planning permission on two Isle of Tiree beaches will be decided at a public hearing.
The island, known as the ‘Hawaii of the North’, is a mecca for surfers of all kinds due to its many beaches, waves and strong winds.
Last December Tiree entrepreneur Iona Larg, who runs surfing company Blackhouse Watersports, submitted two retrospective planning applications for two wooden beach huts at Balevullin Beach and at Ruaig, Gott Bay.
A report by principal planning officer Richard Kerr noted the application for the beach hut at Gott Bay had drawn eight objections and 17 letters of support, while the Balevullin Beach hut had attracted 39 objections and 100 expressions of support, including from Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell and TV chef Hugh Fearnley Whitting- stall. The report, presented to Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee at Kilmory Castle, recommended councillors refuse planning permission for both huts, subject to a local hearing.
Mr Kerr said on Wednesday September 21 that the arguments were finely balanced between safeguarding the underdeveloped nature of Tiree’s beaches, and the impact on Tiree’s economy.
Councillor Roddy McCuish told the meeting: ‘It is vital members see the site for themselves.’
But councillor Neil MacIntyre argued against a site visit, saying: ‘It would cost more than to take it down. It’s a simple thing: if there was no planning permission, it should come down.’
Councillor Rory Colville, on the other hand, voiced support for the Balevullin hut: ‘If it can stand the weather, let’s for goodness sake allow it. It is a very fragile economy. People are trying their best. It’s a wooden hut, just grant permission.’
Councillors agreed to continue the application to a local hearing, but a location and date are yet to be determined.
Committee chairman David Kinniburgh said: ‘There may be complications to get all of our councillors to Tiree. I’ll leave it to officers to look at.’