A LOCHGILPHEAD hotel has been given the go-ahead for plans to demolish its conservatory and make internal alterations at its premises.

Owners of the Cairnbaan Hotel sought planning permission and listed building consent for the proposal, which attracted five expressions of support from the public.

Argyll and Bute Council planning officers have now approved both applications, which it is said will allow the hotel to reopen again.

The hotel was purchased by husband and wife team Mark and Jennifer Watson during the summer of 2024.

A planning officer noted in a handling report that elements of the demolition had already commenced on the site.

The officer said: “The comparatively modern single storey conservatory style extension to Cairnbaan Hotel is subject to the proposed demolition and works set out above.

“The architectural quality of the original part of Cairnbaan Hotel is high and is where its special interest is derived, making a positive contribution to the setting of Crinan Canal as a conservation area and scheduled monument.

“In contrast, the existing extension does not make a positive contribution to the special interest of the listed building, and thus its contribution to Crinan Canal is neutral, arguably moderately negative given its scale and worn appearance.

“In this context, demolition of part of the conservatory extension to the front of the site would not harm the special interest of the listed building.

“Grey UPVC windows and doors are proposed and would span a significant proportion of the external elevations.

“However, noting the contribution the existing extension makes to the listed building and the wider modern redesign of the extension proposed (serving to visually delineate it from the listed building), the in principle use of grey UPVC windows and overall design proposed at this part of the site is accepted.”

They added: “Composite decking forms part of the proposed development, largely on the footprint of the conservatory elements proposed for demolition.

“Given the existing use of the site (with an existing outdoor area for customers) and the separation distances involved, it is not considered this element nor the windows and glazed doors proposed would materially harm the amenity of neighbouring occupants.”