APPLICANTS seeking to convert a barn to a house on the Isle of Mull must wait to discover the fate of their plans after the process was continued by councillors.

Concerns were raised that the proposal by Torloisk Estate for land west of Lagganulva Farm would have too great an impact on the area, despite a planning officer’s recommendation that it should be approved.

A public hearing on the proposal was briefly raised as a possibility when councillors met to discuss the application.

But the plans, which have attracted 22 objections from the public, will now come back to councillors once more information on the impact.

The decision was made at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, May 22.

South Kintyre SNP Councillor John Armour said: “If we are talking about replacing a farm building on the other side of the road, that will be taking away a piece of land already in use by the farmer.

“So not only is the farmer losing the application site, he would be losing a bit of ground.

"I know myself that as soon as you apply for government grants or subsidies, losing any piece of ground can become a difficult situation.

“It may result in you having to reduce the amount of stock you have. I would like to hear both sides of this argument.”

But Helensburgh Central Liberal Democrat Councillor Graham Hardie said: “The planners have recommended not to have a hearing, so we must take that on board, and I am not too sure myself if it would answer any more questions.”

Oban South and the Isles Councillor Andrew Kain said: “I understand what is being said, but it does not overcome human nature when you have issues between landlord and tenant.

“It looks to me like whatever the outcome is, there is going to be an impact on agricultural farmland.

“While it may not be necessary or appropriate to hold an actual site visit, I think it would be appropriate to hear the concerns of those who have objected, because of the impact it is going to have.”

Cowal SNP Councillor Gordon Blair responded: “I feel we are going down a route we should not be going down. We do not know that whoever is going to stay in the house does not have animals or a slurry pit.

“I feel we should only be focusing on the planning side of it, and if there are issues between the tenant and the home owner, it is up to them to take legal advice.”

After a non-binding roll call vote among councillors, five were in favour of holding a site visit and hearing, and five against.

Committee chair, Oban North and Lorn Independent Councillor Kieron Green, said that if he was going to move anything, it would be to agree the officer’s recommendation.

But Helensburgh Central Labour Councillor Fiona Howard said that she was concerned about the loss of farmland and would like more information.

Councillor Green asked: “Would you be seeking a continuation of this application until you have received information on the impact of the changes of this development on the remaining land?”

Councillor Howard said that was the case, and a decision to continue the application was unanimously agreed. The committee’s next scheduled full meeting is on Wednesday, June 19.