Planning applications approved for historic Boleskine House

Two applications relating to Boleskine House, Foyers south of Inverness were approved by Members of Highland Council’s South Planning applications committee today (8 December 2020).

Committee Chair, Councillor Jimmy Gray said: “Members have considered the information that is material to planning applications in consideration of these applications. Full cognisance was taken from officers’ advice to set aside matters associated with previous ownership of the property which are not material in planning matters.”

The first, an application for planning permission, included the reinstatement and alterations to the fire damaged house; siting of 10 holiday twin-units, reception, store, car parking; and installation of sewage treatment plant by the Boleskine House Foundation SCIO.

Members agreed the recommendation to grant planning permission as set out in the Council officers’ reports; and also agreed to additional recommendations raised by Council Leader and local Ward Member Cllr Margaret Davidson regarding roads works and that work could be done before the construction takes place.

The additional recommendations approved were:

  • An additional archaeological condition;
  • Amendments to the conditions relating to road safety to ensure these works are undertaken prior to construction work starting (Conditions 6, 12 and 14 - subject to Transport Planning’s confirmation);
  • Condition 6 to be amended to refer to 160 metres rather than 120 metres; and
  • Local Members to be consulted on the conditions relating to planting plans, the potential replanting plan and the traffic management plan.

Councillors also approved the application for reinstatement of the fire-damaged building, with some alterations; not including full internal fit-out and agreed the recommendation to grant listed building consent subject to conditions as detailed by Council planning officers to safeguard the character and qualities of the listed building.

The planning applications were:

  • 20/02471/FUL: Boleskine House Foundation SCIO - Baile Os-Ceann, Foyers, Inverness, IV2 6XT
  • 20/02817/LBC: Boleskine House Foundation SCIO - Baile Os-Ceann (Boleskine House), Foyers, Inverness IV2 6XT
8 Dec 2020