Holiday company given go-ahead for caravan park at Gledfield Estate, near Ardgay
North councillors have today approved a plan to turn an East Sutherland sporting estate into a holiday destination, despite some local concerns.
Members of the North Planning Applications Committee have unanimously given the green light to the proposal for part of the 7,000 acre Gledfield Estate, situated in Strathcarron some 2km west of Ardgay.
The way is now clear for Pure Leisure Group, which operates holiday lodge and caravan parks across England, to install 47 static caravans on a 6ha site on the estate.
A dilapidated steading is to be extended and upgraded to provide a reception area, office, restaurant, swimming pool and leisure facilities including a spa and gym.
It is anticipated that the development will create the equivalent of 20 full-time jobs.
Grand plans for Sutherland sporting estate
The application has attracted opposition with 14 objections in addition to a petition signed by 59 people whose concerns are over water resources, sewage disposal, traffic and noise. There was one letter of support.
Planners recommended that the application be granted.
At today’s committee meeting planning officer Mark Fitzpatrick said the development was deemed to be acceptable in terms of visual, landscape and amenity impact and also with regards to the roads infrastructure.
“For its size and scale and impact, I think that this is probably a good outcome for the area,” he said.
Mr Fitzpatrick added: “There has been a lot of concerns over water pressure. It really is for the applicant to work directly with Scottish Water to make sure that this is not going to make worse an already not good situation for residents in the area.”
Councillors raised the issues of light pollution at night and the density of the caravans but did not make any objections.
Cllr Michael Baird, in whose north, west and central Sutherland ward the development lies, said: “I would recommend that we approve this one. It is going to allow for more jobs in the area which is to be welcomed and I am also pleased to see the dilapidated buildings are going to be restored.”
Committee chairman Drew Millar, Skye, said: “It seems to me a very exciting and excellent project, to be quite honest. We have something similar where I am and it has been an attractive addition. I like to see these old buildings enhanced.”
Cllr Jan McEwan, Wick and East Caithness, said: “I think it will be an asset for tourists and for Sutherland and the extra employment is always welcome and I am happy it will be all year round.”
