New estate could be built by next year as plans go in
A new planning application has been entered for the erection of a 14-home estate on the grounds opposite Spean Bridge Primary School.
The application, by Fouin Bell architects on behalf of JLC Estates Ltd, consists of 10 detached two-storey homes, as well as a single two-storey unit containing four affordable flats.
Also included in the proposal is a farm shop. Fouin Bell believes the entire development could be completed before the end of 2024.
Planning documents for the 2.75 acre (11,129 square metre) site were submitted on Tuesday May 2, and validated on Thursday May 11. Local residents will now be notified and a public notice published in the local press.
Speaking of the application, owner of JLC Estates Chris Rickard said his background with Strathmore Hotels, which has two hotels in Fort William, means he wants the development to meet the needs of Spean Bridge.
“I am very sympathetic about the local problems with accommodation. We need a bigger supply of building, not Airbnbs,” he said. “The people here have been very good to me.”
Once official notice is published, a 23-day consultation period opens in which questions and objections may be raised. This will be followed by a review and final recommendation by Highland Council.
Fouin Bell believes a planning determination could be made by July, although a backlog at the Highland Council planning department and likely public questions may cause delays.
John Fotheringham, chairperson of Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Community Council, said the council would respond after it had fully reviewed the application details. It has received a time extension in which to consider the plans as it will not meet until Tuesday June 6.
If the new proposal gets the green light, it would supersede an existing application for nine houses plus shop and café that were approved in February 2019. Mr Rickard said that build stalled because the retail space was too ambitious.
Planning permission generally lapses after three years if no development is undertaken. However, initial development work was undertaken for the 2019 project, meaning permission remains live in perpetuity. This fallback position means
which will be delivered by historian and biographer Flora Fraser on Saturday May 27, with a start time of 4pm. Tickets are £7.
Local Gaelic folklore, Rannoch Moor conflicts in the Middle Ages and the Ballachulish Slate Quarry are some of the topics to be covered over the year.
Learning and engagement officer Parris Joyce said: “As a museum our passion is not just for preserving but also interpreting the history of Glencoe and the the 2019 plans could still be used if this proposal is rejected.
Among the documents submitted with the new application are floorplans outlining four Type A, six Type B, and four Type C residential properties.
Type A houses will have four bedrooms, with three upstairs, as well as a study, bathroom, kitchen, and dining room, plus a family room and a garage.
The three-bedroom Type B properties include a connected kitchen-dining-family room area, plus a lounge, bathroom and garage.
A single unit of flats will have four symmetrical two-bedroom type C properties, each with a connected kitchen-dining-lounge area.
Details of the planning application can be found in the planning section of Highland Council’s website under application number 23/02189/FUL.
Highlands and we are thrilled to have such a varied range of speakers lined up for the season to bring history to life. “We cannot wait to hear their talks.” To find out more, visit www.glencoemuseum.com/events for event details and to purchase tickets. You can also email Parris via learning@glencoemuseum.com for assistance or feel free to pop into the museum and chat to one of the friendly team members.