IT’S A HUT POTATO
Charity champ Graham set for showdown over waterside sanctuary he built for disabled wife
A HUSBAND will this week beg planners not to force him to tear down a sanctuary he built for his disabled wife.
Graham MacQueen put up the waterside hut so wheelchair-bound Morven, 63, can enjoy nature and getting out and about.
The businessman’s disabled brother and elderly mum also use the hut.
Graham, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the Oban community, said he was wrongly advised by a building contractor that he didn’t need planning permission for the shelter.
When he found out he did, he applied retrospectively, but Argyll and Bute Council have earmarked the plans for refusal. If they go ahead with the decision, the hut will need to come down.
Graham, 65, who built the shelter at Clachan, near Oban, said: “The planning officers in their report have said permission should be refused as it is outwith the local development plan.
“The only case I can make is one of exceptional circumstances.”
Graham, director of Oban Communities Trust, who have raised more than £500,000 for good causes, takes Morven, who has multiple sclerosis, his brother and his mum from their home in Glencruitten on day trips to the hut in his specially adapted boat.
He said: “Morven can drive her chair right off the boat straight on to the shore.
“I played there as a child and my brother Stuart, who lives with me, also played there, so it’s a very special place.”
Graham’s application has been backed by 126 supporting comments. There are 16 objections.
An online appeal posted by the couple’s son Peter has received the support of hundreds of people.
Graham added: “I did break the rules and I apologise for that.
“But for me to be able to take my family to this place is really special and important.”
Graham will make his case with planners on Thursday.
We contacted Argyll and Bute Council but did not receive a response.