Trust ‘eroding’ as Torrisdale Bay saga drags into another tourist season

Carradale resident Helen Rowlands said: “Objections to this building work were first raised early December 2024. There really is no excuse for this unauthorised development to still be in question some 16 months later and counting.

“I am sure I am not alone in looking to officials to follow guidelines with expediency, but I would go further and seek assurance that guidelines clearly not fit for purpose will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity.”

Mark Sutherland, also from Carradale, added: “Sixteen months on, the development remains unauthorised and unresolved. That is an unreasonable timescale and risks eroding public confidence in the planning and enforcement process.

“Public bodies are expected not only to follow procedures, but apply them decisively and without undue delay. Given the council’s statutory powers, it is difficult to understand why this situation has not been addressed more effectively.

“The apparent generosity shown to the landowner – including the opportunity to retrospectively regularise or remove works long after they were carried out – only heightens concerns about whether the current guidelines are fit for purpose and urgently need review.”

Peninver resident Lesley Kingsley said: “I do not understand why Argyll and Bute Council is granting so much leeway to this applicant.”

The controversy has also widened beyond planning concerns, with fears growing over coastal erosion and the potential impact on the nearby B842 road.

Kintyre and the Islands councillors Anne Horn and Dougie McFadzean recently visited the site with a senior council officer, where they were advised there were “ongoing difficulties” linked to access for works involving rock armour allegedly in breach of the original planning application.

Councillor Horn said: “I appreciate this is difficult for residents and visitors who wish the issue settled and access to the beach returned to its original state, but due process must be followed. I will work with officers to attempt a resolution as timeously as possible.”

Councillor McFadzean described the situation as “extremely disappointing”, adding: “This bay is a beautiful area for locals and visitors alike but has been stained with this ongoing situation.

“The beach is not being fully enjoyed and this leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. It needs sorted and I’ll continue to liaise with residents and council officers.”

Fellow Kintyre and the Islands councillor Alastair Redman said he stood “shoulder to shoulder” with residents opposed to the development.

“The current situation is, quite frankly, a slap in the face to those who follow the rules,” he said.

“It is deeply disappointing that this process has been allowed to drag on for so long. This does nothing but erode public confidence and suggests the planning system may indeed be failing our rural communities.”

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “Argyll and Bute Council must comply with relevant legislation, which restricts what actions we can take if there is a current planning application to be determined.

“All interested parties have been made aware of the next steps which are open to the council. In keeping with legislation, the applicant has been given a deadline to come forward with a revised application or enforcement action will proceed. 

“We appreciate this is not what people want to hear, but these are the steps set out in the Planning and Enforcement Charter August 2024.”

The council also confirmed it was aware of concerns relating to the B842 and coastal erosion.

The spokesperson added: “We are monitoring the situation. At the same time, we continue to maintain dialogue with the landowner.”