Campaigners are delighted a plan to erect eight glamping pods at the world famous Luskentyre beach has been withdrawn.
But they fear their fight may not be over and the proposal could be revised in future.
Andrew Bartlett was seeking to install the pods at 1 Luskentyre in Harris to use six months of the year.
The application was due to be discussed by Western Isles Council on September 28.
But the authority’s planning department has confirmed it has now been withdrawn.
Unprecedented opposition
The plan generated unprecedented opposition from residents, the local community trust, community council and MP and MSP.
A petition by the Save Luskentyre group has been signed by more than 10,000 people.
A door-to-door poll of 27 of the 32 residents also showed 23 opposed to the plan and four not opposed.
Cathra Kelliher, who owns Borve House Estate in Harris with husband Adam and is a member of Save Luskentyre, said she is delighted the application has been withdrawn.
“This is a testament to the tireless efforts of members of the community to protect both the environment and the way of life for remote rural areas.
“It is also a testimony to all those who have supported this campaign both by writing letters and emails and by signing and commenting on the petition which attracted 10,000 concerned signatories in a week.
“This is a signal to those who would spoil a beautiful, pristine environment and a small community for financial gain that there are others who will stand in your way and who will keep pushing until they are heard.
“We have yet to see if this developer will make a further move.
“But it is our wish that this particular success will stand as an encouragement to others like us who refuse to accept the degradation of the natural environment and our small communities that we still have left.”
Objectors claim the scale of the development would cause “irreparable ecological damage” and double the village population.
Concerns include potential damage to wildlife and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
There are also fears over additional tourist pressure on the village’s single-track road and other infrastructure.
Fears of setting a precedent
Local people also said the application could set a precedent for development in the village – where 57% of houses are already holiday homes or self-catering properties – and other fragile areas.
The property already has three houses and consent for an additional three holiday pods.
Save Luskentyre says there needs to be harmony between tourism and the retention of a rural way of life.
It also said communities that are most impacted by high levels of tourism should be listened to.
MSP Alasdair Allan said: “This news will come as a relief to villagers and those who care about the natural landscape of Luskentyre.
“I would like to pay tribute to the local community who have done a terrific job in raising awareness of what this development would have done to the village and the natural environment.
“The proposal had come to symbolise problems such as the speculation in land and the overdevelopment of tourism in some areas. I welcome the application’s withdrawal.”
Mr Bartlett’s agent has been asked for comment.
He said previously the pre-fabricated pods would lead to “minimal increase” in traffic and “negligible impact” on the surrounding area.
He believes they would generate income and employment for the area.
Mr Bartlett, he said, has gone “above and beyond” with regard to surveys, to ensure there are no issues with the ecology or SSSI.
