Council / Bothy planning appeal deferred for virtual site inspection
A DECISION on an appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a small bothy style building next to the straight road between Bigton and Rerwick has been deferred.
This is to allow councillors to get a closer look at the site and how its fits into the wider setting.
The bothy is proposed to be built next to a former Scottish Water pump house, which itself would be turned into a shed with an extension housing a composting toilet.
But Shetland Islands Council’s planning service refused the application in November, saying it was contrary to a number of policies in the local development plan.
One of the reasons given was that it does not maintain the character and identity of the area by respecting the development pattern and national scenic area.
The appeal went in front of Shetland Islands Council’s planning committee on Wednesday but elected members wanted to study the site in greater detail before making a decision.
The proposal comes from mainland-based Thomas Mushet, an international trade advisor and artist who wants a small base for when he visits Shetland.
Planning documents said the bothy, which would have a timber and metal exterior, would contain a living area and a kitchen, while there would be two parking spaces.
A planning statement says the applicant has the “greatest of respect for the environment as well as Shetland’s natural beauty” and had already stripped back the original vision.
An appeal was submitted against the planning refusal earlier this year, with a supporting document saying that the applicant chose a “very light-touch approach” to scale and visual impact.
“We understand and acknowledge that this proposal is at odds with policy, but it was felt that sometimes the circumstances merit the pursuit of a proposal that we feel is clearly better for the wider area, than the existing situation,” the statement said.
“The site is adjacent to a landscape designated as a National Scenic Area and we absolutely agree that this must be taken into consideration.
“This is why the proposal is designed to be a significant improvement to the current situation where a redundant and dilapidated building will continue to increasingly impact negatively the National Scenic Area.”
The appeal document highlighted that the bothy building would be made by the same manufacturer as one which was constructed in Fair Isle, which is within a national scenic area.
It also noted how there are national planning policies regarding the improvement of abandoned or unused buildings.
Regarding the redundant former water building on the site, the appeal statement concluded: “Alternatively, without a change of use, a long wait can be anticipated for a business interest to put forward a proposal for the site.
“During this time, not only, would it continue to have a negative impact on the National Scenic Area, but this would also be aggravated over time.
“Public safety could be put at risk, Scottish Water has indicated that the likelihood of the presence of asbestos is high. Dealing with this possibility is part of this proposal.”
At Wednesday’s planning committee meeting it was agreed that a virtual site examination was the preferred way forward.
North Isles member Robert Thomson said he felt it was important to get a visual impression of the site.
Instead of councillors going on a day out to the site, a planning officer will attend to take footage.
Thomson suggested that the officer takes a “variety of shots” in the area, including wide angles to get more context of the setting.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
