Hotel accommodation extension at Balmacara Hotel Balmacara Kyle, Reraig

“Purpose/Executive Summary Description: Change of use from public bar to guest and staff accommodation and erection of extension to hotel (including amendments to planning permissions 18/02161/FUL and 23/03156/FUL) Ward: 05 - Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Development category: Local Reason referred to Committee: number of objections exceeding 5 All relevant matters have been taken into account when appraising this application.”

“PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 1.1 The proposed development seeks to consolidate and rationalise previously consented extension works into a single coordinated scheme following completion of the approved 8-bedroom rear extension with further 13-bedroom side/front extension still to be completed (18/02161/FUL). Works to implement smaller, rear extension (23/03156/FUL) has recently started.”

“PLANNING HISTORY 3.1 21 May 2004 04/00174/FULSL Alterations to Hotel Permission Granted 3.2 3 December 2018 18/02161/FUL Proposed Alterations & Extension to Hotel Permission Granted…”

“29 August 2023 23/03156/FUL Extension to hotel Permission Granted 3.4 26 March 2024 24/00079/FUL Alterations to frontage elevations & installation of air source heat pump system Permission Granted 3.5 30 June 2025 25/01499/ADV Installation of 2no signs (retrospective) Permission Granted 4.”

“CONCLUSION 10.1 The proposed development is considered to meet the relevant planning policy discussed above. The site is within the growing settlement and the demand for tourist accommodation in the region is well known. The development will address such need by changing a no longer operational public bar into additional hotel rooms and manager’s accommodation.”

“All relevant matters have been taken into account when appraising this application. It is considered that the proposal accords with the principles and policies contained within the Development Plan and is acceptable in terms of all other applicable material considerations. 11.”

“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 Access Officer raised no concerns in relation to access impacts arising from the development however, they recommended a condition ensuring continued public access to the adjacent core path during construction works.”

“Transport Planning initially raised concerns about visibility splays/parking layout, an insufficient number of parking spaces, and the lack of secure cycle parking. In response, amended plans and additional information were submitted, enabling the objection to be withdrawn subject to conditions to be included within the decision notice.”

“Prior to first occupation of any part of the development hereby approved, a Parking Management Plan (PMP) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The PMP shall set out how on-site parking will be allocated, managed and monitored to ensure safe and effective operation of the site, and shall include (but not limited to): • the allocation of parking spaces for guests, staff, coaches and nearby residential properties; • management of coach…”

“Reason: To ensure that waste on the site is managed in a sustainable manner; To ensure that an adequate level of access and parking is timeously provided for the development. Prior to first occupation of the development, full details of the proposed cycle parking shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. These details shall include the type of cycle parking, security measures and weather protection.”

“25/01462/FUL) (PLN/033/26) Location: Balmacara Hotel, Balmacara, Kyle (Ward 05). Nature of Development: Change of use from public bar to guest and staff accommodation and erection of extension to hotel (including amendments to planning permissions 18/02161/FUL and 23/03156/FUL) Recommendation: GRANT The Committee AGREED to GRANT planning permission subject to the conditions detailed in the report. KS 7.8”