A final decision on the future of a boat hut built without planning permission to take disabled people sailing has been deferred for a public hearing.
Businessman and charity volunteer Graham MacQueen has had an outpouring of support after installing the hut near the famous Bridge Over the Atlantic close to Seil Island.
He uses it to provide shelter for disabled family members while on trips in his specially adapted boat.
But it was brought to his attention that it required planning consent and now he has applied to Argyll and Bute Council for retrospective permission.
At a meeting of the council’s planning committee yesterday, Sandra Davies, senior officer, said: “The local development plan is against such developments unless the applicant has put forward an exceptional case. Officers are of the view there is no exceptional case.
“The application has attracted 15 objections and 117 expressions of support. Given the level of interest it is recommended that a discretionary hearing should be held.”
This was agreed unanimously and it is expected a date will be set in February.
Mr MacQueen said: “I welcome the opportunity to have the facts of the matter brought out before the community. I expect there will be a huge turnout.
“I have already apologised unreservedly for not having followed proper procedures. This was an honest mistake.”