Seaforth in Ullapool gets Highland Council go-ahead for house of multiple occupancy bid for Morefield Motel
PLANS to change a hotel to a house of multiple occupancy as residential accommodation in Ullapool have been approved by Highland Council.
It centres on the Morefield Motel in the Wester Ross village's Morefield Lane.
Earlier this year, owners of The Seaforth in Ullapool said were facing the reality of not being able to fully open their popular Seafood restaurant, bar and fish and chip shop, because of the acute lack of affordable homes in the area.
Their solution was to invest in what they called "bespoke, low-rent accommodation" for staff.
Seaforth owners, J&R Group, took the decision to purchase the local motel specifically for staff, with plans being developed to extend further on the site.
One local resident objected to the proposal citing concern about possible excessive noise from occupants when using the conservatory area. She wrote: "With this being used for staff from Seaforth Restaurant who are likely to be working late hours throughout the day and evening, I do not want to be kept awake when they get home to unwind!"
In a decision notice issued this week, Highland Council grants permission for the change of use subject to a number of conditions.
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These include the proviso that prior to the first occupation of the development approved as an HMO, the cycle parking and access arrangements – including associated paths and bollards detailed on approved plans – shall be completed in full and made available for use. Thereafter, all cycle parking spaces shall be maintained for this use in perpetuity.
In addition, the external finish materials used in the development shall match those of the original building.
Any construction work associated with the approved development – including the loading/unloading of delivery vehicles, plant or other machinery, for which noise is audible at the boundary of the application site, should not normally take place outwith the hours of 8am and 7pm Monday to Friday, 8am and 1pm on Saturdays or at any time on a Sunday or Bank holiday.
Work falling outwith these hours which gives rise to amenity concerns, or noise at any time which exceeds acceptable levels, may result in the service of a notice under Section 60 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974.
The Highland housing shortage, allied with fewer EU workers following Brexit, has placed severe staffing pressures on hospitality and tourism providers in the region.
The decision notice can be read here.
