Two-coach car park at Italian Chapel (Land Near), Lamb Holm, Holm

“Item: Planning Committee: March 2026. Construction of Vehicle Parking near Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm. Report by Director of Infrastructure and Organisational Development. 1.Overview 1.1.This report considers an application for the construction of a car park, principally for coach parking and an extension to existing parking, on land near the Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm. One representation has been received.”

“The application is accompanied by a revised biodiversity enhancement form and an otter survey. 8.2.A site notice in relation to the development affecting the setting of a listed building was displayed given proximity to the category ‘A’ listed Italian Chapel, situated 41 metres to the east of the development, and statue of St. George Slaying the Dragon, forming part of the same listing description, situated 25 metres to the south of the proposed development.”

“The site is served by the service bus, with a bus stop located at the end of the road into the site.”

“Page 7. Reference Proposal Location Decision Date associated landscaping. 5.2.No formal pre-application advice was sought in advance of this submission. 5.3.Works commenced within the period of consideration of the application, as such the application is considered retrospectively. 5.4.The commencement of works was noted by the Planning Authority.”

“As noted above, a previous car park extension in 2017 was also carried out without planning permission, and approved on a retrospective basis. 6.Relevant Planning Policy and Guidance 6.1.The full text of the Orkney Local Development Plan 2017 and supplementary guidance can be read on the Council website here. 6.2.National Planning Framework 4 can be read on the Scottish Government website here.”

“Orkney Local Development Plan 2017: o Policy 8 – Historic Environment and Cultural Heritage. o Policy 14 – Transport, Travel and Road Network Infrastructure. On a vote being taken 2 members voted for the amendment and 8 for the motion, and the Committee: Resolved, in terms of delegated powers: That planning permission in respect of the construction of vehicle parking near the Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm, be refused. Planning Application…”

“Page 20. 9.Conclusion and Reason for Refusal 9.1.The development seeks to address the issue of traffic and visitor management at the site. The infrastructure-based approach has paid insufficient regard to the setting of the listed building, and it is not adequately demonstrated that there are no alternative solutions that would not require the creation of coach parking in a key view towards the Italian Chapel.”