Weather centre at Rumster gets go ahead despite objection
Highland Council has passed the planning application for an all-weather forest centre at Rumster despite an objection by a local disability group over toilet access.
The proposal passed on July 16 is for the erection of an all-weather forest centre, two composting toilets and a solar array by Rumster Forest Outdoor Centre (RFOC).
An objection was lodged by a member of the Caithness Disabled Access Panel (CDAP), a pressure group that has pushed for better toilet facilities for people with physical impairments in the county.
In his objection from May 12 this year, John Niwa from Staxigoe said: “I represent the Caithness Disabled Access Panel.
“We thought this facility was going to be suitable for all abilities. However the toilets are tiny and incapable for use for use by wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
“There is a lack of detail regard access paths and whether they appropriate for everyone. We therefore object to this application for the above reasons.”
Next to this statement, in the public comments section of the proposal, was also one of support from Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Council posted on May 3.
“This will be a great asset for both the local and the wider community which has been so long without any facilities on the site since the original building burnt down,” it reads.
“With the facilities it will provide, it will encourage all age groups to visit the area and enjoy the beautiful countryside and wildlife surrounding Rumster.
“The physical and mental health benefits of outdoor activities are well documented, and this building will facilitate this with the amenities it will provide.”
Roger Saxon, one of the RFOC directors, said that the toilets at the site were actually pre-existing, being in situ for around two years. “We thought initially that we didn’t need planning permission but when we put in our application we were told we needed to put them [the toilets] into it,” said Mr Saxon.
“We are putting a ramp into the building and that isn’t part of the standard design but we’ll probably put one into these toilets as well. They’re quite narrow and not really wide enough for a wheelchair. You wouldn’t be able to take a wheelchair down the forest track, in any case. Someone disabled would need to get there by vehicle.”
Mr Saxon went on to say he was quite surprised to have received the CDAP objection as one of the company directors had spoken to a member in Wick who had given a donation on behalf of the disability group.
Rumster Outdoor Centre Management Group has been working towards the establishment of a new building in Rumster Forest to replace the old outdoor centre which closed in 1998. It aims to facilitate the use of the forest for “any and all activities to support the general wellbeing of the people of Caithness”.
The project has been successful in gaining major funding awards and grants from the RWE Camster Wind Farm Community Fund and Foundation Scotland.
