Concern over number of new homes in Dunbeg is justified

The level of concern expressed over a lengthy period of time about the development of hundreds of new homes in the Dunbeg area have been well documented and are, if nothing else, very understandable.

Principal among the worries is the lack of infrastructure in the village. There are fears that so many new homes will see the primary school exceed its capacity and that the roads system in the area is unfit to handle any more traffic than currently exists.

Indeed, there have already long been concerns voiced about the problems at the Dunbeg junction with the main A85 and how problematic it can be to exit the village onto the trunk route.

Many of the councillors who voted to approve the development said it had been among the hardest of planning decisions they have had to make. That, too, is understandable given the scale of the proposed development.

However, this area has a chronic shortage of homes, especially affordable social housing. That, in turn, impacts negatively on the local economy as it deters people from moving to the area to take up new employment.

The Oban and Lorn area needs more homes but the protesters are right to draw attention to the problems this development will create. We would urge Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government to ensure the infrastructure is improved to be fit for purpose.