Appeal over Golspie flats' decision
Local couple Jan and Elise Smienk are appealing Highland Council’s decision to turn down their application to convert the former council office building, on Golspie’s Main Street, into flats.
The couple, of Big Barns, Golspie, have this week lodged papers with the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals. A reporter has not yet been allocated to the case.
North councillors rejected the project last month after deeming the design of the flats and particularly an existing flat roof extension to be "poor and unsympathetic."
They also felt the seven flats proposed represented over development and would impact on the amenity of neighbours.
But papers sent to the appeal body by the couple’s agent, Edinburgh-based Ray Stirrat, challenge that view.
Mr Stirrat states that the property was capable of accommodating seven flats and the size of the proposed flats was greater than required in housing legislation.
