Green light for Mull monastery
Objectors frustrated as monk’s plans passed
A Romanian monk’s plans to build the first monastery in the Hebrides in over a millennium have been approved, frustrating objectors.
The site is sandwiched between remote Kilninian Parish Church at Torloisk on Mull and a holiday house.
Argyll and Bute Council approved the bid by the Kilninian Trust by delegated powers on March 15 despite nine objections.
As well as the new monastery for nuns, the scheme includes vehicle access and a sewage treatment block at the heart of the Loch Tuath National Scenic Area.
The man behind the monastery in the heart of the Loch Tuath National Scenic Area is Father Seraphim Aldea. Father Seraphim, who is currently in the US fundraising to build it, was not available for comment.
News of the planning decision took objectors by surprise. Michael Ireland, who owns Kilninian Schoolhouse nearby, said: ‘We had no indication it was so close to being determined. There’s nothing we as neighbours and objectors can do now.’
Frustrating
Mr Ireland said it was frustrating the Kilninian Trust had not engaged with neighbours about its plans but still commended the work it had done on restoring the parish church that was gifted to them by a group of Catholics.
‘No one has a problem with the church, it’s commendable the work they’ve done. But it’s disappointing what they are proposing with the monastery has been passed. It’s going to be a big industrial looking building that will be plonked on a natural scenic site. It’s also right on the spring line and could affect our water supply,’ he said.
An Argyll and Bute spokesperson said there had been ‘limited public interest in this application’ and its ‘doors were open’ to receive representation until the final decision was made.
‘Only nine representations were received during the extended determination period and it is confirmed that, having regard to the council’s scheme of delegation, this is insufficient to trigger a requirement for determination by the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing committee. The planning officer visited the site and there would be no requirement to have site visits with objectors in terms of the council’s delegated powers,’ added the spokesperson.
The planning permission only lasts for three years and came with 12 conditions. It was approved because the monastery was designed to ‘nestle into its surroundings’, said its approval notice.
On Mull Monastery’s website, Father Seraphim Aldea said Kilninian Parish Church was ‘a treasure’ and the trust wanted to make sure the new monastery building would not only safeguard but also enhance the church’s cultural and historical value.
‘We have already invested large amounts in repairing and restoring Kilninian so it may be preserved for the next generation.
‘It is only natural to do our absolute best to also ensure the new building fits perfectly with the local architectural heritage,’ he said.
Andrena Duffin, whose father Colonel Charlie Anderson was a church elder for 30 years, said she was in contact with Father Seraphim and had encouraged him to have an open day in May to explain his plans for the monastery.
‘I’ve told him if he can explain it to everyone that it will help,’ she said.