Croft house and holiday cabins plan lodged for Little Loch Broom site
An uncultivated croft on the shores of Little Loch Broom could soon be the site of a new home, two holiday rental cabins and domestic dock under plans lodged with Highland Council.
Applicant Mr C Parrino is hoping to construct the new buildings on a 1.8 hectare croft at 6 Badcaul.
If approved Mr Parrino also plans to create new access onto the local road and plant dozens of trees, most of which would be planted in the south-western half of the croft, with additional trees also running along the property's boundary with the neighbouring Northern Lights Caravan Site.
In a supporting statement lodged with the application, Mr Parrino's agent Blueprint Architecture said: "Mr Parrino has the intention of building a modern and energy efficient ‘off-grid’ croft house with holiday cabins on this land.
"The applicant is in the position to proceed with this project and we have worked closely with him to design a house suitable for both this site and his needs. Mr Parrino is a tech and social entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable and off-grid living, an interest in community organising and community owned assets.
"He has previous experience of managing forestry and plans to reforest approximately half of the site which will benefit the micro and macro economy in the Scottish Highlands. For many years he has been imagining moving to a rural environment to be surrounded by nature and live a slower paced, healthier lifestyle.
"This aspiration developed into this proposal that includes an off-grid sustainable home, small-scale reforestation, and a small cabin rental business on the site to establish a sustainable income stream over time.
"It is essential for the croft to be owner occupied for the sustainable management of a viable rural croft. This includes being nearby for the operation of the cabin rental business and the supervision of the reforestation process."
The proposed croft house would be one-storey in height, and contain three bedrooms, a plant room and covered parking area. It would be located roughly halfway between the main road and Little Loch Broom.
The building would be constructed from a mix of timber cladding and concrete panels, with profile metal sheeting in grey to finish the roof.
"The house will have an attractive front facing the public road that respects those of the neighbouring properties," added the agents. "Whilst it will be evident that this is not an existing or historic house, we believe it will fittingly compliment the surrounding properties and will enhance its setting."
