Holiday pods plan near Stacks of Duncansby would benefit local economy, says applicant
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A plan to build eight glamping units near the famous viewpoints at Dunnet Head lighthouse and the Stacks of Duncansby would benefit the local economy and provide "modern coastal accommodation" for tourists on short breaks and weekend stays.
James McColl from Edinburgh has submitted an application to Highland Council for the holiday pods on land 150 metres south-west of Hillhead, John o' Groats and says the project, if successful, would create one full-time or two part-time jobs.
The development would include the eight units – each measuring six metres in length and three metres in width – as well as a new access route, drainage, a storage hut and bike store. It would also incorporate a parking bay for eight vehicles and an electric charging point.
A document which accompanies the application says: "The site is situated on the popular North Coast (NC) 500 route, with the access road leading towards two of the famous viewpoints, Duncansby Head Lighthouse and the Stacks of Duncansby, meaning the units would be the closest accommodation offering to these popular tourist attractions.
The development could "encourage visitors to spend more time" in the north and "contribute more to the local economy."
It stresses there is "a clear demand for tourist accommodation in the area" and points out the NC500 route attracts "thousands of visitors each year." The pods, which would be made of Siberian larch, would be used solely for tourist accommodation and not as permanent residences.
The document adds: "As the access road is a popular route to reach Duncansby Head it is well maintained and has a sufficient amount of existing passing places available. The new cars associated with this development will not create a noticeable effect on the number of vehicles using this road.
"The eight units would be spaced at a minimum of five metres apart in distance to give each visitor a good amount of privacy and will be situated in two rows, five to the south and three to the north. The site will also make use of solar energy with the addition of a solar array and battery storage system to help provide power. The pods will be no more than three metres in height, not creating any negative visual impact."
It states: "The site incorporates bike storage facilities to promote the use of them by guests during their stay, additionally, as the site is near a national cycle route it may be considered a nightly stay for cyclists.
"Guests are also free to walk into the village of John o’Groats or towards Duncansby Head by following the existing access road and surrounding public footpaths.
"The proposed glamping site will provide modern coastal accommodation for tourists visiting this area’s attractions on short breaks and weekend stays. Each unit will have a small area of decking to provide private outdoor space."
Some native shrubs and plants are being proposed for screening and privacy but a large part of the site would be left as open grassland while no potential croft land would be lost and "foul drainage has been addressed through the use of a sustainable private underground system," states the document.
The application was lodged with Highland Council last week and is said to be under consideration.
