Proposal to change island pub into a church
27 September 2016
A planning application to change the use of the Harris Inn in Tarbert to a church comes before Western Isles planners today (Tues).
The new North Harris Free Church of Scotland, created after a number of worshippers quit the Church of Scotland over in protest of it voting to ordain gay ministers, thinks it would make a suitable home for its congregation.
No material changes to the outside are planned but it would be converted iinside to seat 100 people. Three Sunday school rooms, toilets, office, kitchen and store would also be provided.
However, potential parking problems present a major stumbling block.
The Harris Inn is presently linked with the Harris Hotel on the opposite side of Scott Road. The owners wish to sell the Harris Inn and to absorb the inn use within an under utilised part of the hotel.
It appears closure of the inn could happen irrespective of the proposed change of use to a church.
However, they wish to keep the carpark between the inn and the main road.
That leaves only eight spaces adjacent to the building. A further 12 spaces are proposed to be provided on land to the north of the Harris Garage.
The thirty seven objections lodged mainly concern the loss of the premises as a community facility, source of jobs and support for tourism.
Some claim the local emergency services, such as the coastguard and ambulance that are based in Scott Road may not being able to deploy quickly due to the lack of parking causing congestion.
Others point out there are enough churches in the area or alternative buildings and sites are available.
Those in favour of the proposal cite that the owner of the Inn intends to close it; the church would provide a refuge and meeting place; there are alternative licensed premises and eating establishments in Tarbert; and the appearance of the building would be enhanced.
A report by comhairle planning officials says a bid to use the informal parking area "is not ideal."
However, the council's technical services department consider the proposed parking are generally acceptable though it highlights concerns for parking for weddings and funerals on week days when the parking areas may not be available.
The report recommends approval provided the church signs an official planning obligation agreement to use the designated parking at the garage.
If the parking arrangements are not satisfactorily agreed within three months then planning permission should be refused say officials.
