Smoo Cave Hotel in Durness seeks expansion; proposal to expand room count to go before Highland Council
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PLANNERS have recommended a north coast hotel can double in size.
The iconic Smoo Cave Hotel, at Durness, is a popular pit stop on the North Coast 500 route.
It has been run for the past 16 years by Highland councillor Hugh Morrison and his wife Frances and is near the famous Smoo Cave, which attracts around 90,000 visitors a year.
The Morrisons are seeking permission for a six room accommodation annex.
In a report to go before Highland Council's North Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday, officers are recommending that approval be granted.
There have been no objections.
"The proposed annex has been designed as a contemporary take on the traditional longhouse with a simple form consistent with this rural area however with the addition of more modern features including extensive glazing in order to take advantage of the attractive open views in a westward direction," said Gillian Pearson, acting head of development management - Highland, in her report.
"The roof pitch of the building has intentionally designed with a low pitch to reduce the impact on the main hotel building and ensure it also retains the same views. Its material has been amended from a red sinusoidal sheeting to a dark grey finish to better assimilate into the landscape. Overall there are no concerns in terms of the proposed design when assessed against the general policies of the Highland-wide Local Development Plan.
"The proposed development will allow provision of additional tourist accommodation allowing an existing hotel to expand and respond to the changing tourist market. It has been designed sensitively and to take account of its surroundings and raises no concern in terms of the development plan as detailed in this report."
Approval is being recommended subject to a number of conditions including that prior to the first occupation of the development, nine car parking spaces shall be provided within the application site.
Smoo Cave is the largest coastline cave in the British Isles and has provided shelter for thousands of years. It is believed to have been a Stone Age home more than 5000 years ago with Norse settlers later gathering here to repair boats and fish for herring.
Sir Walter Scott visited on September 19, 1814. Noting his lamp on the dew-covered stalactites, Scott described it as the “effect of ten thousand birthday candles.
The cave boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave in Britain at 50ft high. It was formed by a burn that runs down into the rear chamber, as well as erosion caused by the sea
Now the Morrisons want to attract more visitors to what is mainland Britain's most north westerly village.
Mrs Morrison said:"The last season saw us booked out through to November and this year looks equally busy.
"Staycations have increased while the number of B and Bs in Durness have declined because of covid worries and people retiring.
"At the moment we have six bedrooms but the demand is very high.
"We hope that this new development will help cater for the demand and shows our faith in the future of tourism in the area."
If Highland Council approve the application, it is hoped to have the annex ready for next season.
