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Lews Castle self-catering plans approved                15/4/14

 

Listed building planning permission to convert Stornoway’s historic Lews Castle into self-catering holiday accommodation has been approved by planners.

Local providers claim the market is already over-saturated. They previously hit out at the council for quietly changing the initial proposals for a plush hotel – a main part of a £14 million rescue of the crumbling castle, a category A listed building

The Comhairle is in advance talks to lease the building - after a revamp funded by public money - to holiday company Natural Retreats - the sole bidder for the upgraded historic building.

The council has already admitted helping a bigger, outside tourism operator set up in the Lews Castle would take trade away from some existing hospitality providers.

But it says there could be an overall boost to the wider economy.

Objectors warned the "economic regeneration strategy for the castle is flawed and fatal for those already serving this market and should be reconsidered."

They said it would be a "direct threat to existing self catering business," while Heritage Lottery Funding should not be at the "expense of established local businesses."

Questions over the economic impact of self-catering apartments were ruled as outwith the remit of the planning committee which gave the go-ahead for listed building permission to convert the upper floors into apartments on Tuesday.

The planning issue is due to be ratified by the full council next week.

The council stressed: "No final decisions have been made yet as to whether the company’s proposals will go ahead.”