Plans for motorhome stopover area on North Coast 500 in Caithness
A new stopover area for campervans could be created if proposals for a site alongside the North Coast 500 in Caithness get the go-ahead.
Planning permission is being sought from Highland Council for change of use of land adjacent to the A99 north of Bridge of Wester, beside the Lyth turn-off.
The development would include the installation of hardstanding for eight touring pitches and the erection of a reception building and snack shop. Access would be from the Lyth road.
The applicant is Gordon Dunnet, of Kestrel View, Lyth.
A supporting statement from the applicant says the aim is to give tourists travelling in motorhomes or caravans an official site where they can park up overnight before continuing their journey. "No tents will be accommodated," it states.
"Maximum stay will be limited to two nights as the site is designed to be a short-term stopover site and not a long-term destination. Due to this, we do not intend to have showers/washing facilities available on site as all guests will be using self-sufficient vehicles.
"The proposed reception building and snack shop will provide vending machines for hot and cold snacks. This will be available 24/7. Going down this route we do not need a fresh water supply or drainage to this building and there will be no cooking of food on site.
"The reception will be manned from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday. If there are any bookings outwith these times a contact number will be provided."
Mains power would be installed for the reception building, with electrical hook-up points at the hardstanding pitches.
The supporting statement adds that, depending on revenue from the venture, the site could be extended in future but would "always remain as a short stopover location". It says there could also be potential for camping pods for cyclists and walkers.
The site is close to Sinclair's Bay and Reiss beach.
