Temporary workers accommodation at Old Dormitory Site Marybank Isle Of Lewis, Stornoway

“Background 5.1 This Report relates to an application for detailed Planning Permission, registered as valid on 13 February 2026, for temporary workers residential accommodation, in four essentially flat-roof two storey blocks; associated amenity facilities in the form of separate gymnasium, 2-storey canteen and leisure building, and a facilities management office building; on-site generator and water tank storage compounds; and other associated works.”

“Description of development 5.4 This application seeks detailed planning permission for temporary workers residential accommodation, in four two storey blocks, for a maximum of 200 residents; associated amenity facilities in the form of a separate gymnasium, 2-storey canteen and leisure building, and a facilities management office building; and on-site generator and water tank storage compounds. The vehicular access is existing and would be upgraded.”

“The extant planning history is limited to the related Pre-Application Notice (PAN) (ref. 25/00314/PAN) and Environmental Screening opinion (ref. 25/00366/SCR_L).”

“The site forms part of a larger area which has a lapsed, historic outline planning consent for ‘Residential Development’ (ref. 04/00503/OUT), approved in June 2005.”

“Comhairle Roads Section 9.10 Comhairle Roads section states that, according to the projected traffic figures shown in the Transport Assessment, 64 parking bays should be adequate. The road layout within the site shows a one-way surfaced section of road. This should be signed to indicate a one-way system, have suitable bus laybys (min 12m long with splays) and allow suitable space for a 12m bus to manoeuvre within the road layout.”

“Comhairle Environmental Health Service 9.13 Comhairle Environmental Health service advised on construction period conditions, addressing working hours, noise, and dust. They have included requirements in relation to food premises. They have also included advice on encountering contaminated land.”

“REPRESENTATIONS 10.1 Representations against the proposal have been received from 3 parties. The full terms of the representations can be read at Appendix 4 to this Report. The key issues can be summarised as follows: - The provision of a worker’s camp [sic] is inappropriate for a residential area. - Alternative sites exist and should have been considered. Development should be site at Arnish which is closer to the development site the workers will be attending.”

“- Impact on ferry and flight capacity from workers use. - Noise and light pollution impacts during and after construction. - Noise from long-term generators. - Air pollution from generators. - Pollution risk to water course. - Potential of contaminated land on site. - Residential amenity impacts, including on privacy from overlooking. - Impact on the War Memorial, particular in relation to visual impact, light and noise.”

“It was agreed, insofar as the Board’s interests were concerned, to recommend to the Comhairle that the application be approved, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 to the Report.”

“[name withheld] having moved an amendment which failed to find a seconder, requested that his dissent be recorded.”