A Scottish Government Reporter has upheld Highland Council’s enforcement notice against the unauthorised development of woodland at Achnabobane, near Spean Bridge.
The ruling follows an appeal seeking to overturn the notice, which was first issued in February this year.
The enforcement relates to the change of use of sensitive woodland into leisure and recreation plots, including overnight accommodation, camping pods and engineering works to create hardstanding and access tracks.
Reporter Christopher Warren dismissed the appeal on 21 July, confirming that the development had taken place without permission and was in breach of planning controls.
Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands, Ariane Burgess, welcomed the decision as a vital step in protecting the area’s landscape and restoring trust in planning enforcement.
“This decision is a welcome and important step in recognising that what’s happening at Achnabobane and other parts of the Highlands must not be allowed to continue,” she said.
“These plots have been marketed to buyers as if they’re suitable for development, when in reality they sit on sensitive land with no planning permission and significant environmental protections.”
Ms Burgess called for Highland Council to act swiftly in implementing the decision and to ensure enforcement measures are carried through.
“Too many people have been misled into spending thousands of pounds, and Scotland’s landscapes are being damaged in the process,” she said.
“I urge Highland Council to act swiftly to implement this decision and restore trust in the planning system.”
She also highlighted the need for wider action to prevent similar issues across Scotland, warning that misleading marketing and sales practices continue to put buyers and protected environments at risk.
“The fact that these plots are still being advertised and sold, despite enforcement notices and decisions like this one, shows that the current system isn’t working,” she added.
“We need to protect buyers, local communities and Scotland’s natural environment.
“That starts with robust enforcement and stopping misleading sales at the source.”
Ms Burgess has previously written to the Scottish Government urging coordinated action between planning enforcement, Trading Standards and environmental bodies to address the issue more effectively.
