House at Land 155M SW Of The Gables 206 Polbain, Achiltibuie
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Highland Planning Applications Committee on 5 Aug 2026.
The site
The site was on a former croft building within Polbain, between the road and coast, on sloping grazing land sharing access with an existing house.
“The site would partly share its access with ‘The Gables’, which is sited closer to the public road. The ground is covered in poor quality grazing. PLANNING HISTORY 3.1 03.03.2014 13/04126/PREAPP – Erection of house 4.”
Officer report
Earlier advice and site works
Pre-application advice in 2013 indicated the proposal would conflict with policy, and an access track had been formed without planning permission or notification.
“Planning comment -: There is no record of any prior notification for the track. This could be investigated separately as an enforcement case, but publicly available satellite imagery suggests that it was formed some time ago. d) Impact on Assynt Coigach National Scenic Area (NSA) Planning comment - This forms part of the reasons for refusal.”
Officer report
Consultation responses
The archaeology team requested photographic recording, Scottish Water raised no objection and SEPA referred to standing flood-risk advice.
“All letters of representation are available for inspection via the Council’s eplanning portal which can be accessed through the internet https://www.highland.gov.uk/planning/view-comment-planning-applications. CONSULTATIONS 5.1 Historic Environment Team (Archaeology): The ruin was a building of local historic importance. Recommend a condition for detailed photographic recording of the building prior to any works commencing showing the current condition and setting.”
Officer report
Committee discussion
Support was expressed during discussion, but no amendment was proposed because more information on sectional plans was required.
“During discussion support was expressed for the application, however no amendment was raised due to more information on the sectional plans being required.”
Minutes
The committee’s decision
The committee agreed to refuse planning permission for the reasons set out in the report.
“The Committee AGREED to REFUSE Planning Permission for the reasons detailed in the report.”
Minutes
Sources
- Highland Planning Applications Committee minutes, 5 August 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Highland's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Highland
- Date
- Wednesday 5 August 2026
- Committee decided
- Refused
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
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- Highland committee decisions →
This committee's year
14 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 1 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.