Developer appeals to government over rejected Roseisle bothy plan
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
DEVELOPERS are appealing against a planning knock-back for holiday huts at a much-loved Moray beach.
Moray Council refused permission for the plans by Millie Bothy Ltd in early October to restore and convert a derelict fishermen's bothy into an office and art gallery and put up eight self-catering wooden holiday units at Roseisle Forest.
Some 411 representations were made in opposition to the proposal for the Millie Bothy at the 7,500sq m dune-land site, including from Heldon Community Council.
Moray Speyside Tourism and VisitScotland were among 19 supporters for the application.
The environmental impact of the plan was among issues raised by objectors, while supporters said it would be a unique addition to the local tourism industry.
An appeal has now been lodged with Scottish ministers.
Millie Bothy Ltd say in the appeal that the reasons given for refusal are not justified and they believe the application complies with the Development Plan.
They point out that there would be no development on the dunes themselves and the area would be neglible in the context of the forest as a whole.
Millie Bothy Ltd added that the number of additional people coming to stay in the huts would be small in comparison with the numbers who visit Roseisle Forest on a daily basis – around 35,000 a year according to Forestry Commission Scotland.
Moray planning officers said in October that the development failed to comply with a number of council policies and would have a detrimental impact on the secluded character and rural amenity of the area.
In its decision to refuse planning permission, the council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee said: "Development of the nature proposed would significantly alter the character of this unspoilt open dune area where its high amenity value for current users would be compromised by the introduction of an incompatible use. The existing dune area and grassland contributes to character and appearance of this wider area of unspoilt coastline."
It added that the area's undeveloped nature was of wider benefit to tourism and the local community.
Details of the appeal have been posted on the council's website at http://publicaccess.moray.gov.uk/eplanning/.
