Community / Planning round-up: new Fetlar pods application, demolition approved and more…
A FRESH planning application for camping lodges in Fetlar has now been lodged after it emerged that the proposed development’s original site was deemed to be high risk archaeologically.
As a result of the archaeological concern around the site near to the Fetlar shop, the applicants are now looking at an alternative site in a nearby location.
A design statement submitted by Malcolmson Architects said: “A number of alternative sites were investigated and discussed in depth with the regional archaeologist, the planning department, the client and the roads department to find a solution that allowed the development to progress but also respected the importance of the archaeology of the area.”
The development, proposed by the owners of the local shop, guesthouse and cafe, features four pods and is hoped to provide a boost to tourism in the area.
The local community council had said it would support the original application – which has been withdrawn – as members would welcome any development which encouraged people to Fetlar, but it noted some concern from local residents about potential noise levels.
The pods are part of a larger investment project to upgrade and refurbish the nearby guesthouse, shop and cafe – as well as install two Polycrubs/growing spaces – which the applicant said should create at least two jobs.
SHETLAND Islands Council’s planning service has approved a demolition method statement for the Linkshouse building in Yell.
Earlier this year the Scottish Government ruled that demolition was the only viable option for the ruined property.
Owner Lindsay Laurenson requested to have the C-listed building demolished on safety grounds.
Speaking this week he said there was no update as to when demolition would get underway.
PLANS have been submitted for the refurbishment of the Bonhoga Gallery in Weisdale.
The C-listed building is currently closed and is only set to reopen in 2025 once work is completed.
The work planned includes roof finishes, windows and doors, as well as internal refurbishment and insulation upgrade.
A condition report prepared by née gibson architects highlighted how the building, which was built in the 1880s and currently owned by Shetland Arts, has crumbling clay ridge tiles on its roof which have been falling down into gutters.
It also mentioned how some of the gutters are “heavily overgrown and at risk of collapse”.
THERE have been no noise complaints around rocket engine testing at the former Scatsta Airport, according to planning documents.
It comes as German rocket company HyImpulse has applied to renew its temporary change of use planning consent for rocket engine testing there for a further two years.
Shetland Islands Council’s environmental health team said given there have been no noise complaints from previous testing, it was satisfied that any impact on nearby residents would continue to be minimised in the future.
HyImpulse first carried out testing at the North Mainland site in 2021.
THE OWNERS of Sound Service Station in Lerwick have lodged a planning application to extend the back of the building to create new store space.
The store extension would be 80 square metres in size. The shop floor space would remain unchanged.
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