Objections could yet stall Tongue complex plan
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An ambitious plan to create a commercial and community hub in north Sutherland may not yet go ahead.
The company behind the development has said it will proceed with a planning application, but will then have a “period of reflection”.
The move follows local opposition to the plan put forward by Ben Loyal Ltd for Wildland Ltd – owned by Danish entrepreneur Anders Holch Povlsen.
It had been hoped to transform the Burr’s Stores site north on Tongue on which a Spar store and filing station are currently located.
The vision was to build a restaurant, bakehouse, stonecutters and shop as well as an events space, accommodation for both staff and visitors, new fuel pumps and a microbrewery.
An application for planning consent was lodged on December 3 and is presently under consideration.
Seven objections to the development have since been received by planners with one representation in support.
The major point of concern that it could take accommodation and other business away from nearby providers.
Jonathan Baggs has called for a full economic impact assessment to be undertaken to cover all duplicated tourist related activities that are included in the proposal.
Tongue, Melness and Skerray Community Council lodged an objection, saying that although it welcomed the plans in general, members were concerned about the inclusion of a guest accommodation block.
A spokesman for Wildland said: “Following good engagement with our neighbours in the community, we feel it is right to let the planning application for Burr’s Stores progress through the system.
“However, we also feel it is important that we listen well, so we will undertake a significant period of reflection after this process and pause works while we continue to engage with our neighbours.”
