Plan to turn derelict buildings at Forss mill into holiday accommodation
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Derelict buildings at a historic Caithness mill could be transformed into holiday accommodation if a planning application gets the go-ahead from Highland Council.
Under the proposals, the Forss west mill, along with a former cottage and byre at the site, would be renovated to create four residential units for holiday lets.
The plans would also include a private waste-water drainage system and access improvements. The development would take place on land 75 metres north-west of Dalclaggie, Forss.
According to documents submitted with the application, the aim is to "carry out a regeneration and conversion of the mill, attached barn/stable and associated but separate cottage and byre to create four residential short-term letting units".
The plans would see the old waterwheel repaired and retained as well as safeguarding the future of the crumbling buildings.
"The conversion and renovation of the whole development is to be respectful of the Grade B listed mill and the wider scenic Forss setting," the report states. "There is to be minimum intervention in altering the building fabric and externally the project will essentially be a restoration project.
"The proposals aim to align closely with the Highland Council policy aim of creating high quality places where the outstanding environment and natural, built and cultural heritage is valued and safeguarded in a sustainable manner. To this end the project looks to convert and renovate the existing buildings into self-catering tourist accommodation. This ties in appropriately with accommodation offers which exist nearby at the Forss House Hotel and Forss Mill where demand is high."
The report adds: "The stunning location coupled with the traditional character of the buildings which will be renovated to a high standard, underpin the business marketing strategy which is further enhanced by the applicant also having trout fishing rights on the river.
"The unique draw of the properties is clear and underpins an excellent opportunity to start up and grow a sustainable business which supports tourism whilst at the same time safeguarding and enhancing the area’s rich built and natural heritage in a sympathetic manner."
If approval is given the mill will be converted into a single bedroom unit at the split upper floor level. Lower levels will be for storage.
The barn would be converted to a single bedroom unit. The north-west external wall will be rebuilt due to "significant movement".
The cottage and byre will be subdivided into two single bedroom residential units with mains water, electricity and telecoms all available. On-site parking for all guests and non-intrusive low-level exterior lighting for safe movement around the site and for security would also be provided.
The report adds: "The service infrastructure for visitors and the availability of a mix of appropriate accommodation to encourage longer stopover periods with the consequential economic spin off within the local area, has its limitations at present. High quality self-catering in attractive settings conveniently located alongside the NC500 route are at a premium and the development of the derelict mill building complex in its stunning natural setting is a wonderful opportunity to deliver such a standard of accommodation. The historic character of the mill and its unique river and waterfall setting present an excellent marketing starting point.
"The regeneration of these derelict buildings before they fall beyond reasonable repair will deliver significant environmental enhancement, preserve buildings of historic value in a sympathetic and sustainable manner, all at the same time as giving visitors a taste of traditional life and local history in the far north."
