PLANS for a new house on Tiree, which include a sauna as part of the building, have been approved by council chiefs.

Tim Suter’s proposal related to plot five on land north of the B8065 road at Heanish, and attracted two objections from the public.

The objectors raised concerns about the design of the proposed property, along with the proximity to a nearby holiday let business.

However, Argyll and Bute Council officers said that they were satisfied by the design, and that the loss of a private view was not a planning matter.

An officer said in a handling report: “Through the granting of the extant permission, the site has been deemed to represent an appropriate opportunity for the siting of a suitably designed dwellinghouse which would respect the scattered development pattern found within the surrounding area.

“As detailed above the current application represents the detailed arrangements for the development of the site proposing the erection of a single storey pitched roof dwellinghouse and associated garage/outbuilding.

“Through the granting of the extant permission, the site has been deemed to represent an appropriate opportunity for development with a suitably designed dwellinghouse which would respect the scattered pattern of development found within the surrounding area.”

The officer added: “Whilst the proposed finishing materials are contemporary, the overall proportions of the development reflect established development found throughout the wider island comprising a narrow plan and pitch roofed gable ends.

“It is considered that the proposal is a well thought out, contemporary design solution for the site which gives a nod to the traditional vernacular found throughout the island which will give an appropriate contrast between the old and new ensuring that the development will integrate well within the site and the wider landscape within which it is proposed without giving rise to any significant adverse visual impact.”