Go ahead for controversial zip wire in Kinlochleven
A proposed zip wire designed to boost tourism on land owned by Jahama Highland Estates at Kinlochleven has been given the green light by Highland Council.
The plans, which include two pairs of zip wires over Loch Leven, were put forward by local resident Stephen Connelly in conjunction with Jahama Highland Estates, part of the GFG Alliance, which owns the Lochaber smelter at Fort William and hydro plant.
One of the zip wires, at 1,470m in length, will be the longest in Scotland, while the shorter zip wire, which will measure 1,050m, will be the steepest in the UK.
‘We feel the zip wire attraction is a carefully-balanced proposition that will give local tourism a valuable boost while preserving the integrity of the surrounding natural landscape,’ said Jahama Highland Estates, manager Dimitri Harrison.
In addition to the zip wires and platforms, the plans also comprise a container-style reception building, two floating jetties and a proposal to use part of the former smelter site as a car park for visitors.
The aim is to launch the zip wire next summer. However the project has not been without controversy and caused a serious rift in the community – a fact acknowledged by councillor Andrew Baxter.
He told the committee: ‘Members will be aware this is a proposal that has sparked strong opinions both in favour and vehemently against the development.
‘Unfortunately, that has led to comments on both sides of the argument that I feel are unacceptable – things like “incomers are not entitled to have an opinion”.
‘In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if you have lived in the village one day, 10 years or 70 years – you are entitled to your opinion. Just as those who don’t live in the village who have objected or have signed the petition, they have valid arguments that must be considered by this committee.
‘The flip side is I’ve heard those who are supportive as being labelled as anti-nature or anti-environment and don’t care about the future and, worst of all, that they can only be providing support because they are going to financially benefit. That sort of debate has debased the discussion on both sides.’
Mr Baxter went on to say that as a resident as well as area council member, he realised that whatever he decided was going to upset someone, and he said if he had chosen to find a way to avoid taking part or being absent that would have been a ‘cowardly’ course of action.
Mr Baxter said the issue revolved round a number of distinct matters – including traffic, the environment and visual amenity.
On the issue of increased traffic, Mr Baxter said there were many activities which could result in significant increase in traffic from other developments or from the village promoted as being on a national scenic route which it already is. Key to dealing with this, he said, would be the traffic management plan.
On the environment, he said: ‘Personally, I would rather see a return to the period before man created a largely sterile landscape around Kinlochleven, but I take a pragamatic approach.
‘I very carefully read the ecological reports and note there is no concern expressed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).’
On the impact on amenity from the amount of noise generated by zip wire users, Mr Baxter was of the view that if there is a noise management plan to mitigate any noise issues, he did not see the need to restrict operating hours as proposed.
And, lastly, on the potential impact on visual amenity, Mr Baxter said SNH had decided not to comment because it felt the project would not result in significant visual intrusion. And he concluded: ‘Therefore I am drawn to the assessment of planners and the lack of objection from SNH and I do support approval.’