Calls have been made for a luxury holiday development in Argyll to include staff accommodation.
At a meeting of Oban Community Council, councillors said they were happy to green light the project for a third time – but were concerned the plans didn’t include a place for staff to stay.
The planning application at land at Tom Laith Tom Ard, near Dunbeg was first lodged, and approved in 2014.
Councillors said they would be attending a presentation from the developer in nearby Dunbeg church to encourage him to put in good quality permanent accommodation.
Third time coming up for renewal
Stewart MacIver, the community councillor who looks at planning applications on behalf of councillors, said it was the third time the application would be renewed.
He said: “This is the third time this is coming up for renewal. It has been approved and renewed and renewed again.
“It has a massive complex and will offer hotel accommodation, gyms, a leisure centre.”
The community council heard the application had been delayed due to various factors, including the need for a major roundabout to be built on the A85 Oban to Dunbeg road.
The roundabout would be at least partially funded by the developer. The agent for the property is architect Alexander Dobbie.
Oban Community Council suggest staff accommodation be included
The community council, along with Dunbeg Community Council had supported the application in the past.
He continued: “There are to be public displays about the project in Dunbeg Church on the mornings of the week beginning November 21 and people are invited to go along and see the plans.
“The application avoids a trig point and an archaeological site of an old chapel up on the hill.
“There is no staff accommodation – so we should pass that on.”
Former community council chairwoman, Marri Malloy, said she had previously met with the applicant and asked him about his plans.
She said: “It will be a wonderful development, but I would suggest that like anywhere in Oban it needs to have staff accommodation.
“There is just no space in Oban for people to come and live, and rents are very high. So we would hope that they might think about that when they eventually build this.”
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