Access track at Scottish Water Access Track Miavaig Uig Isle Of Lewis

“Background 5.1 This Report relates to an application for Planning Permission by Scottish Water, registered as valid on 09 August 2024, for the formation of an access track to the covered reservoir at Uig Miavaig Distribution Service Reservoir at Miavaig, Uig, Isle of Lewis.”

“Description of development 5.3 The application proposes the creation of a 2.5m wide gravel access track on common grazing land. The proposed access track will connect the existing water Distribution Service Reservoir to the public road at Miavaig, Uig, Isle of Lewis. The track will have a total length of approximately 487m and a width of approximately 2.5m, therefore occupying a total footprint area of approximately 1217m 2 .”

“Description of site and its context 5.6 The proposed site comprises an area of common grazings land within the rural settlement of Miavaig, Uig, Isle of Lewis, which inclines from the township road, across a hillside, and then up and onto an area of elevated but relatively level open moorland, towards an existing Scottish Water Distribution Service Reservoir.”

“The application site is within the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area. The Glen Valtos Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) and Geological Conservation Review Site (GCRS) are within 100m of the proposed access track.”

“March 2025, an amended site plan was submitted to reflect minor variations to the route of the track on an elevated portion of the site. This is to provide adequate safe working separation from the existing overhead line pole, following the advice from Scottish and Southern Energy Networks.”

“Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (EIA) 5.12 The application was Screened under The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 (the EIA Regulations) and concluded that No EIA required (25/00105/SCR_L).”

“CONCLUSION AND REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION 14.1 This application is for the creation of a 2.5m wide access track on common grazing land to serve existing Scottish Water infrastructure. Policy lends support to development for serving infrastructure subject to it being suitable in terms of location, access, siting, design and environmental impact.”

“The siting of the development is considered to be acceptable. While it is acknowledged that there will be some initial landscape impacts, these will lessen over time once the compacted fill has weathered and the vegetation is fully established on the verges of the track. The access is not considered to have negative or irreversible impacts on the landscape or on the National Scenic Area, a view which has been shared by NatureScot.”

“Comhairle Engineering (Roads) 9.4 Measures to be taken to prevent surface water flowing on to the main road from the ATV track. This water should be led into a suitable watercourse. The first 3m of the track should be surfaced with bitmac.”

“NatureScot South Lewis, Harris & North Uist NSA 9.5 There are unlikely to be any significant effects on the landscape character and special qualities of the National Scenic Area (NSA).”

“Negative landscape impacts; • Adverse impact on grazings. • An existing alternative route should be used. • Changes in ground conditions as a result of the development will cause flooding and landslide, affecting property and the public road (health and safety).”

“Drainage of this steep slope in particular has to be given serious consideration. I fear that the considerable excavating required to form this crisscrossing track could destabilise the steep terrain and cause a landslide of the peaty soil layer, gravel and any hidden boulders. leading to serious damage to the natural environment and probable flooding below. • The track will have negative environmental and landscape impacts.”

“[name withheld], seconded by [name withheld] A Maciver, moved the following amendment:”

“That the planning application be refused on the basis that the proposed development does not demonstrate a satisfactory quality of place-making, siting, scale and design that respect and reflect positive local characteristics and will compliment or enhance the surrounding natural environment, contrary to Policy PD1 of the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan and the impact on neighbouring amenity in respect of the risk of flooding and landslide adds weight to this…”