Consider Notice of Review Request: Eilean Loch Oscair, Off Isle of Lismore (Ref: 23/0006/Lrb)

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LOCAL REVIEW STATEMENT  - ADDENDUM
Reference No: 22/02100/PP 
Applicant: Mr A McGillivray 
Proposal: Erection of short-term holiday let accommodation, outbuilding and pontoon and
installation of sewage treatment plant 
Site Address: Eilean Loch Oscair, off Isle of Lismore 
Eilean Oscair is a working croft, owned by a Liosach farmer/crofter whose family have lived and
farmed on Lismore for generations. The croft is part of a farming enterprise on Lismore that
produces high quality sheep and cattle that win prizes at agricultural shows and command good
prices at market. The proposed house development will support farm diversification, thus increasing
sustainability of the business. This is also an important element in successional planning, which will
enable the applicant’s son to remain on Lismore and continue the farm enterprise into the future,
raising his own family here and providing a rare continuity in people and place that is increasingly
fragile in today’s society. Securing a sustainable future for his son and grandson on Lismore will help
address population decline and the aging demographic – contributing to delivery of national policies,
for example as outlined in the National Plan for Scotland’s Islands.
The building is a low impact, sustainable design that will fit in the landscape as a modern reflection
of the countless buildings that once existed on Lismore and its scatter of islands, in days when the
local population was much larger. Development, of its time, is nothing new to this environment and
in fact arguably, the building will have a positive impact in contrast to the backdrop of the Glensanda
quarry and the local fish farms. Although scenic, it is important to remember that this is a working
environment. The presence of summer residents and the related site management will help to
maintain the island’s environment, for example through beach/shore cleaning and vegetation
management. Studies commissioned for the application have demonstrated no negative impact on
designated features or protected species, for example the seal colonies in the locality. Use of the
island will bring much needed income to the community, not only the direct income from the
property but also through guests who stay longer, and do and spend more, which will benefit local
businesses, such as shops, restaurants, cafes, island taxi etc. as well as the wider Argyll economy.