Welcome to Planning Ahead: The Hebrides – The Press and Journal’s monthly planning round-up from Iona to Skye.
We feature a major upgrade at the renowned Three Chimneys Restaurant on Skye, plans for a Young Carers House in Portree, and an application for four holiday cabins on the Isle of Iona.
We also reveal the planning applications that have been approved in the past month.
Four holiday cabins on the Isle of Iona
An application has been lodged for four holiday cabins within a “discreet corner” of an existing croft at Machair House, Isle of Iona.
The cabins will be located on the west side of the island, near the Bay at the Back of the Ocean and the island’s golf course.
Planners propose using and extending the existing access road to the main house for installation and servicing.
It was validated on March 19 and is due to be determined by May 18.
Major upgrade at Three Chimneys Restaurant on Isle of Skye
Plans have been submitted for an extension to Three Chimneys Restaurant in Dunvegan, Skye, as well as the development of eight holiday units and a storage shed.
The restaurant and its accommodation, The House Over-By, are owned by The Wee Hotel Company, which was founded in 2019. Three Chimneys is renowned for its high-quality food, featuring locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood.
The restaurant operates from an extended croft house that has been in place since 1968.
The proposed expansion includes improved parking areas for staff and guests, bike storage, and the introduction of a bike hire service.
A statement accompanying the application reads: “Both the restaurant and House Over-By will be extended, including a new wing and extended lounge at the latter.
“The courtyard-facing façade of the kitchen restaurant will be brought out to create additional space once the septic tank is removed.”
Restaurant space would double in size
The restaurant space will nearly double to 1,474sq ft, and the number of hotel bedrooms will increase from six to 14.
Car parking will be expanded to 38 spaces.
Staff numbers will also grow, with hotel staff increasing from seven to 13 and restaurant staff from 14 to 20.
The application includes plans to demolish a residential property, Heatherlea House, which is currently used for staff accommodation, along with a small gable extension previously added to the restaurant.
The application was lodged with Highland Council by Scott Hobbs Planning on February 24 and validated on March 10. It is due to be decided by May 9.
Young Carers House in Portree
Plans have been lodged with Highland Council for a Young Carers House in Portree.
Submitted by Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers, the project aims to provide a daycare facility for school-age children who have responsibilities for caring for parents or relatives.
The house will offer after-school activities, basic skills training, safe spaces for recuperation, and social interaction with other young people facing similar challenges.
Staff will be on hand to provide general support, advice, and care.
The proposed site, currently occupied by a caravan at Molovaig on Hedgefield Road, has good pedestrian links to local schools and Portree town centre.
The site lies to the west of Portree and has vehicular access via a shared private driveway and an undesignated road leading to the B885 Struan Road.
The application was lodged on February 17, validated on March 11, and is due for determination by May 10.
Determination on applications
Skye
Developers planning an agricultural access track at Dunvegan have been told it does not need prior approval.
A cabin for holiday letting at Dunvegan has been approved.
Portree Co-op has had new signs permitted for its premises on Bank Street.
A parking space at The Braes in Portree has been approved.
Oronsay
The building of a house on the Isle of Oronsay has been permitted.
Eigg
A house and garage at Cnoc Mor on the Isle of Eigg has been permitted.
Mull
Yurts near Pennyghael have been approved on the Isle of Mull.
Tiree
An application to demolish a barn and build a house in its place has been approved at Salum Ruaig on Tiree.
Business units have been approved at Crossapol on Tiree.
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