Muir Of Ord hotel expanding facilities, change of use for former Sutherland butchers and staff accommodation at Skye hotel

By Sean McAngus

August 15 2022, 11:45 am

New bar area, new entrance porch and restaurant rear-extension at Ord House Hotel included in latest applications submitted and approved.

Welcome to our weekly round-up of planning news across the Highlands.

The region’s planners have approved plans for new facilities at a Muir of Ord hotel and staff accommodation at a Skye hotel.

Plans have been submitted to transform a former butchers into a domestic garage and utility area in Sutherland.

And there are plans for a summer house at an Dornoch home.

Read on for more details.

SUBMITTED: Butchers to garage

A former butchers could be turned into a domestic garage and utility area in Sutherland.

Colvin Designs is representing Peter Dowson in the application for the change of use for the building at 6 Dunrobin Street, Helmsdale.

Former Sutherland butchers. Supplied by Google Maps

When still open, the Helmsdale Butcher prided itself on high quality and competitively priced meat.

Now it is hoped it will get a renewed purpose.

SUBMITTED: Summer house

An application has been submitted for a summer house.

This is planned for a home’s rear garden at Reefton, St Gilbert Street, Dornoch.

James Bell submitted the application for the summer house which will be built from high quality interlocking logs.

Work will also include a raised platform.

This cabin is ideal as a home office, summerhouse or garden retreat.

APPROVED: New facilities at Ord House Hotel

New facilities will be created at the Ord House Hotel in an effort to boost visitor numbers.

The hotel in Muir Of Ord will see the construction of a new bar area, a new entrance porch and a restaurant rear-extension.

Floor levels within the area of the bar alterations and new restaurant have been carefully considered.

A series of ramps within these areas will allow unassisted access from the bar areas to the new café restaurant.

A new accessible path will also be provided as direct access to the cafe restaurant.

In a planning statement, architects said: “The existing hotel has been somewhat neglected in recent years.

“It is now under new ownership and the owners approached us to produce a design proposal with a view to increasing visitor numbers and expand on the facilities it currently offers.

The house was built late 18th century, with additions added in the 19th century.

“Due to the listing, and preservation of the existing building heritage, there
are very limited opportunities to improve accessibility within the existing building.

“When designing the new proposals, accessibility for all was fully considered, and the design proposals incorporate all elements for accessibility.”

Micmac Architectural Services represented Irvings Of Ord.

Have a look at the layout: