PLANS for a bird hide to allow the public to gain a better view of wildlife on Seil have won the backing of council chiefs.

Allan Coutts’ proposal for land east of Teddy’s Pond at Balvicar has been awarded planning permission by Argyll and Bute Council, with 12 expressions of support received from the public.

The idea was described in one of the submissions as “a very valuable and educational facility for the local community, visitors to the area, tourism, wildlife guides and wildlife photographers to view and observe and record species seen.”

A council planning officer added that the proposal “integrates well within the site and wider landscape” without any adverse impact on views.

The officer said in a handling report: “SBCIC (Seil Biodiversity Community Interest Company) was formed in July 2020 with the aim to protect and enhance the Isle of Seil’s biodiversity.

“SBCIC has engaged with the local community and the proposal the subject of this planning application is for the erection of a low-pitched roof bird hide/wildlife hub measuring approximately eight square metres with a height of approximately 2.4 metres.

“Finishing materials proposed are of vertical overlapping timber with a glass roof with a small overhang to the west elevation. A single door opening with a low ramped access is proposed to the east elevation with three observation windows to the west elevation.

“The proposed development is directly supported by both national and local planning policy which seeks to promote and encourage appropriate enhanced opportunities for informal recreational activities.

“It is considered that this well-conceived proposal will afford increased opportunities for outdoor recreation whilst making a positive contribution to tourism without any materially harmful landscape, environmental, access or servicing impacts.”