Invergare Castle: Holiday let bid refused by councillors

At a meeting of the planning, protective services and licensing committee today (Wednesday) Argyll and Bute Council officials decided to turn down the plans for Invergare Castle in Rhu, which have attracted much criticism from local residents in recent months.

Earlier this month the Advertiser told how applicant Graham Gardner, who owns the property, was seeking retrospective permission for a change of use at the home, from residential to exclusive visitor accommodation.

Local authority planning chiefs had recommended the refusal of the bid, and a similar planning application, submitted earlier this year, was withdrawn in July after it, too, was recommended for refusal.

More than 30 objections were received to the most recent plans, with excessive noise levels coming from the property, inadequate local roads and car parking spaces, and ineffective mitigation measures among the foremost concerns raised.

READ MORE: New holiday let bid at controversial Rhu mansion 'should be refused'

Two councillors asked for a site visit to take place before a decision was made, but all other committee members attending the meeting voted to refuse there and then.

Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor David Kinniburgh, the area’s provost and chair of the committee, said: “Going back almost 50 years, I used to deliver newspapers there. I think it was owned by TR Craig of British Steel at the time.

“Given the access issues with Pier Road, which is lined off to create a footway, but the footway is still part of the road, I can fully understand the reasons given for refusal.

“So I have no hesitation in moving the recommendation for planning officers’ refusal, for the reasons set out in the report.”

His motion was seconded by Councillor George Freeman (Independent, Lomond North), who said: “Pier Road is a dangerous road, and that has been highlighted by senior roads officers. Pedestrians have to walk on the road and there is no footpath on the lower end.

“That is a serious concern and to put additional traffic on that road would be crazy. Officers have recognised that, and we have received over 70 representations, with only two in support from the Rhu and Shandon area.

“I don’t see what use a site visit would have, because this property is usually used at night and at weekends. Even if we did go then, people would be aware in advance of our visit.

“This is in a conservation area and to have a building being used as proposed would be totally out of keeping, so I fully support your proposal.”

Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) had a different opinion, saying: “I feel a site visit would be advantageous to allow me to be settled in my mind. I am not happy making a decision at this time.

“A site visit would be sufficient and I would be happy to go myself and have a look. I take Councillor Freeman’s comments on board about supporters from outwith the area but that could also apply to objections from outwith the area, so I am a bit perturbed by that.”

His amendment was seconded by Councillor Mary Jean Devon (Independent, Oban South and the Isles), who said: “It is concerning we are treating this application as if every group of visitors has been raucous and drunk. That is not the case.

“Sometimes we only remember one bad case among 10 good ones. Licencing regulations are coming out from the Scottish Government soon.

“We don’t know what these regulations will contain, but they will give local authorities greater control over the properties.

“In the meantime, could safeguards not be put in place to mitigate? That seems to be the one thing.”

However, Councillors Blair and Devon were the only two to vote in favour of a site visit when a vote was taken by calling the roll.

All 10 other councillors who were in the meeting voted to refuse straight away.