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Futuristic style holiday pods could turn Thurso into Blackpool, says one angry resident





Plans for a holiday park in Thurso have attracted criticism from some local residents with one fearing it will be an eyesore and the “first step towards a Blackpool type town”.

Highland Council is considering a proposal for change of use of wasteland at the former Bridgend Building Supplies yard in Thurso to form a holiday park.

Detail from plans lodged with Highland Council showing what the holiday chalets would look like.
Detail from plans lodged with Highland Council showing what the holiday chalets would look like.

The holiday chalet development was put forward by Barry Property Ltd of Thurso and would comprise of a series of futuristic style capsules for holidaymakers to live in along with parking space for 24 vehicles.

The supporting documents from architectural consultants CM Design state: “The chosen capsule supplier is unique and offers an aesthetic which is bold and futuristic and points to the county’s growing reputation for space exploration and rocket technologies.

The full area of the holiday park development at Thurso.
The full area of the holiday park development at Thurso.

“Each capsule is orientated to take advantage of the natural riverfront vistas and have been staggered to increase privacy between each. The space capsules offer a shower room, double bed/living area, separate double bedroom, and raised decking area.”

The developers say that the development fits in with the visions of the Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan which aims to “improve the vitality and amenity of the main town centres in the area”.

Plans sent to the council include pictures of the unsightly wasteland at Bridgend where the pods will be sited if the proposal goes ahead.
Plans sent to the council include pictures of the unsightly wasteland at Bridgend where the pods will be sited if the proposal goes ahead.

Two objections have been lodged with Highland Council against the holiday park.

On July 31, Rob Ayre sent several bullet points stating that the site next to River Thurso “will be an eye sore”; that it “would be first step towards a Blackpool type town”; that it will put “pressure on the water quality of the river and the habitat of sea otters and sea lions” that enter the river to rest on rocks; and will “compromise the cultural status quo of the town”.

Seals basking on an island opposite the proposed holiday park. One objector says the animals along with otters will be affected. Picture: DGS
Seals basking on an island opposite the proposed holiday park. One objector says the animals along with otters will be affected. Picture: DGS

The other objection, lodged on July 30, came from John Brock who lives close to the development and says that the drawings are “inaccurate” and show a section of land that he claims to own.

He continues: “The current ownership of the access road adjacent to my property is unknown. Recent checks I carried out, indicate that it has not been adopted by the council, is not owned by the property developer, and is possibly still owned by the Sinclair Estate as part of the original access to Thurso East.

“I object to the proposal to make that a ‘one way road’ as it would mean I have to drive through the new development to exit my property.

“I also have concerns about the volume of traffic using that access road during the construction phase and, should the development go ahead, during the holiday season.

“Indeed access from the A9 is a concern in general as there is also a fuel station between the proposed access road and exit road. Queuing traffic at the adjacent traffic lights will further add to the congestion.”

Site of the proposed development at Bridgend on waste ground beside River Thurso. Picture: DGS
Site of the proposed development at Bridgend on waste ground beside River Thurso. Picture: DGS

HQ Forestry also objected to the proposal and stated that the applicant must submit plans to “demonstrate how the mature trees surrounding the site will be protected during demolition and construction works”.

It also stated that there has been “very little consideration” given to landscaping within the site. “This will be essential in order to create a setting for the proposed holiday park, provide an element of screening and privacy, and to demonstrate biodiversity enhancement.

“Being an old industrial site, this is particularly challenging in terms of establishing trees. A detailed specification is required which focusses on ground preparation and species choice, to demonstrate that trees will establish successfully on this site.”

HQ Forestry said it hopes it will be able to support the proposal once the supporting information has been provided.

The applicant has also been advised by Environmental Health that “no development shall commence until a scheme to deal with potential contamination on site has been submitted”.

Architectural elevations showing the pods planned for the holiday park.
Architectural elevations showing the pods planned for the holiday park.

“This application will be an enabling factor in triggering other brave developments along the riverbank and perhaps more permanent housing in the future.”


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