Approval for pods at Lochaber hotel

There is always a dilemma when public objections to planning applications are overruled and permission for sometimes controversial plans are approved.

So it should not come as a surprise that some people in North Ballachulish are upset that Highland councillors have given the green light to a proposal for six camping pods to the rear of the Loch Leven Hotel.

As we report this week, councillors approved the plans which will see the timber pods erected in a semi-circular cluster adjacent to the art gallery and industrial site that bounds the hotel land to provide extra tourist accommodation in the area.

The concerns expressed by individuals and Nether Lochaber Community Council are understandable and were articulately voiced by resident Sarah Charles, whose objections were focused on possible noise, rubbish, overcrowding and degeneration to the road and hotel car park. The community council said that, while it had no objection in principle, it was also worried about the proximity of the site to the public access road and sewage drainage.

However, there is no escaping the fact that tourism is booming across the Lochaber area and the rising number of visitors need accommodation in which to sleep.

The community council has sought assurances over its concerns, though these appear to have been dealt with by Scottish Water.

On balance, the councillors were probably right to approve the plan.