Norwegian-style lob cabin planned for Fife staycations
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Applicant Ron Muir was granted permission to convert an existing barn for the same use on the site at Foggieleys, Montrave, in 2018, but the building has proved difficult to convert.
In its place, planning agents acting on Muir's behalf proposed building a log cabin to be used as holiday accommodation by tourists visiting the area.
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Hide AdThe Nordic-style cabin, constructed by specialist firm Norwegian Wood, will be considered a "caravan" in the eyes of the law rather than a permanent dwelling.
Agents Progress Planning Consultancy argued that a precedent had been established clearing the site for tourism use through the previous application.
"The proposals represent a facility for tourism related activities that will also provide greater access to the countryside," they said in a supporting statement.
"Given the rise in tourist related activity in general in Scotland, which will only increase as a result of changes in holiday destinations due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Fife is already recognised as a popular tourist destination.
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Hide Ad"(The owners') intention is to further manage and develop the site in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive way."
Fife Council planning officer Andy Taylor, having reviewed the application, has given it conditional approval - formally establishing its status as a holiday let by banning stays of longer than 12 weeks.
"In this instance the proposal involves a tourist accommodation that would increase visitor dispersal, would be compatible with surrounding land uses, and would provide additional tourist benefits to North East West Fife and Fife as a whole," he wrote.
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Hide Ad"The proposal is compatible with the area in terms of land use, design and scale and will not cause any detrimental impact to the amenity of the surrounding area and is therefore considered to be acceptable."
The council also imposed conditions requiring visibility splays to be created at the exit of the site, for part of the driveway to be paved and for two car parking spaces to be created within the vicinity of the cabin in the interests of road safety.