CONTROVERSIAL proposals to breathe fresh life into a Highland oil yard and create up to 2,500 jobs have won the backing of local authority planners.
A multimillion-pound scheme aimed at revitalising Kishorn by developing its harbour and dry dock has split the local community and attracted dozens of objections. But councillors will be urged tomorrow to support the project and pave the way for the Wester Ross site to become a fabrication and assembly centre for the lucrative offshore energy sector.
Highland Council officials have recommended approval of a planning application from Kishorn Port Ltd (KPL), despite receiving nearly 70 letters of representation from the public, businesses and organisations in the popular tourist area.
KPL director Alasdair Ferguson claims the site could provide a significant long-term economic boost for the area if it was re-established as a full manufacturing facility.
He believes jobs generated by supplying parts for offshore wind, wave and tidal devices would also help stem the persistent problem of youth migration.
The plans have already been supported by Lochcarron Community Council, Torridon and Kinlochewe Community Council, Shieldaig Community Council, Lochcarron and District Business Association and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Charles Kennedy and Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thomson have also backed the proposals.
But dozens of residents, including Mark Pattinson, 83, who owns the 12,000-acre Lochcarron Estate, have objected to the scheme.
He claims it could end up costing the jobs by driving away four salmon farms on Loch Kishorn.
He also believes those who support the development because of the promise of jobs have been “misled” – and that the posts will be created elsewhere in the two parent companies that form KPL and not in the local area.
Mr Pattinson, who lives at Brynaport, directly opposite the yard, said: “Loch Kishorn is a designated shellfish loch and, with the amount of boats coming in because of these superstructures, inevitably there will be an accident which would badly affect the four salmon farm locations here.
“Achentraid has doubled in population in the last five years because of salmon farming, but we will say goodbye to that if the water ends up getting polluted.
“I support new jobs and apprenticeships coming to the local area too, but not at the expense of destroying what we already have.”
Others concerns include the impact of increased traffic, a detrimental effect on the scenery in what is considered an area of outstanding natural beauty and insufficient infrastructure in the area to support a large development.
Although council officers have recommended approval, 31 conditions are attached, including a requirement for accommodation blocks to be built for staff.
The developer would also be barred from installing new fences, signs or lighting unless authorised by planning officials in an effort to minimise the visual impact of the site.
A statement from the planners said: “On balance, the proposals accord with the provisions of the development plan and there are no material considerations which would warrant refusal of the application.
“The proposal is for redevelopment and expansion of operations at an existing industrial yard.
“Potential impacts have been identified and addressed and mitigation measures identified.”
The proposals will be discussed at the local authority’s north planning applications committee meeting in Inverness tomorrow.