STELLA McCartney’s plans to build a secluded £5million Highland hideaway have been dealt a blow after community councillors raised concerns over the mansion.
Dozens of objections have been lodged with Highland Council over the application in the name of the fashion designer’s husband Alasdhair Willis.
Fashion designer Stella McCartney and her husband Alasdhair Willis[/caption]
They hope to build a home at beauty spot Commando Rock in Glenuig, around 30 miles west of Fort William.
But the ambitious project has been plagued with controversy with fears being raised over impact to wildlife and trees.
Arisaig and District Community Council have now written to planners sharing their concerns about the building.
They said the potential impact on otters and pine marten and possible damage to Corsican pine trees and ancient woodland ‘should be taken seriously’.
They added: “Arisaig and District Community Council feel that if planning is to be granted then perhaps some of the full-time residents’ concerns could be addressed by introducing conditions of planning such as insisting that the applicant pay for mains water installation to the area, undertakes not to block any plans to upgrade the access tracks to the area and of course, to pay particular consideration to wildlife during any building (ie avoid breeding seasons etc).
“Additionally, we feel that a development plan for the area that considers all the various concerns should belatedly be put in place, in conjunction with local residents.
“What is Highland Council Planning Department’s vision for this seemingly unstructured/unplanned area that has very little infrastructure and a precious environmental footprint?”
McCartney’s architects Brown and Brown had earlier written to Highland Council labelling some of the negative comments as ‘inaccurate’.
They said: “The applicant is aware of several comments made relating to the scale and location of the proposed development, which are either felt to be inaccurate, or against which it is felt further context would be beneficial.
“It is not considered that the proposed house will be visible from Roshven House, or the adjacent Roshven Boathouse (run as a holiday let business), with both the existing topography and forestry making this impossible.
“The proposed location of the house is to the North-West of the foundations already on site (under the extant permission for a dwelling house), to prevent the house being located at the horizon of the site when viewed from the water (as it is not considered the house can be seen from any location on land close enough for the form to be determined).”
McCartney, 53, the daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has established herself as one of the world’s leading fashion designers.
She was awarded a CBE in recognition of her services to fashion and sustainability.
Highland Council are expected to make a decision in due course.
McCartney, 53, is the daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney[/caption]
