Easter Ross ‘luxury’ glamping site planned for farmland near Cadboll and close to the North Coast 500 (NC500) is approved by Highland Council
A "luxury" glamping site will be built on Easter Ross farmland after the plans were approved by Highland Council.
Applicant Duncan Scott lodged proposals back in May for eight new pods - each capable of accommodating up to four to six people - on farmland at Cadbollmount Farm.
The site, which will also include a communal sauna, footpaths, EV charging points and more, sits north-east of Hilton of Cadboll and around a mile from Loch Eye and will be accessed via a minor road that connects to the B9165.
A supporting statement lodged by Mr Scott’s agents, Glampitact back in May, explained that the new holiday accommodation is designed to help diversify the farm and would be available to let year-round - although would not be for permanent residence.
Glampitect said: “The small-scale, sustainable development will provide subtle and discreet countryside holiday accommodation for tourists visiting the area on short breaks and weekend stays.
“The site is proposed to be in operation year-round, making it an excellent option for visitors to retreat and access everything the area has to offer in all seasons.”
They continued: "The proposed glamping site will offer contemporary, luxury holiday accommodation to visitors within a suitable travel distance of Inverness and further afield across the country, thus being suitable for weekend trips and short stays.
"The proposed accommodation will allow visitors to spend time outdoors to relax in a natural setting as well as explore the surrounding area.
"As mentioned the proposal is a form of farm diversification to support Cadbollmount Farm. The development has been located in an area which does not sacrifice prime agricultural land and can be easily maintained and managed by the farm owners. Glamping installations require minimal groundwork and non-harmful construction practices.”
As well as the aforementioned facilities, the new glamping park will also include a permeable track and parking areas, secure bicycle storage, storage hut and recycling/refuse storage.
Some "minor landscaping" of the site is also envisaged. This would include minor ground levelling and the planting of a number of native trees, hedgerow, shrubbery and meadow grass with wildflowers throughout the site. An existing row of trees bordering the north boundary of the site will also partially screen the development from the nearby road.
The plans have now been approved by Highland Council planners under delegated powers, subject to a number of conditions - including that the site not be used for permanent residence.
Granting approval, case officer Aidan Brennan said there had been no objections to the plans from third parties and no response from Balintore and Hilton Community Council.
He noted that a number of council departments had initially objected to the proposals - including the forestry, flood risk management, and transport planning teams, owing to a lack of information - but these were all withdrawn after the necessary details were provided.
The forestry team said it no longer objected subject to tree protection measures and landscape proposals being covered by conditions, while the flood and transport concerns were resolved after details about plans for surface water drainage and the road access visibility splay were provided.
The historic environment team did not object, but given the wider area's historic features, it also requested that a condition be attached to ensure that any archaeological features discovered during construction were "adequately recorded".
Approving the plans, the planning officer said: "The design of the site has been carefully considered to ensure the proposal would not be intrusive to the area.
"Additional boundary treatments of native planting has been proposed to help conceal the development and integrate the units into the existing landscape.
"Due to the chosen location and surrounding area, the pods will not be visible from the main road.
"The units are to be used solely for tourist accommodation use. No unit will be used as a permanent residence. This use is secured by condition."
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