Stella McCartney Highland house plans spark objections

Plans by Stella McCartney and her husband for a modern new house in the Highlands have sparked objections.

The application, for the Lochailort area, is in the name of the fashion designer's husband, Alasdhair Willis.

Architects Brown and Brown said in the design statement that the plan was to create an "unashamedly contemporary" but complementary addition to the area.

However, dozens of objections have been lodged with Highland Council.

The daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has established herself as one of the world's leading fashion designers.

She was awarded a CBE in recognition of her services to fashion and sustainability in 2022.

The plans submitted to the local authority state that a "simple materials palette" is proposed.

It would include "rough cut natural Scottish stone" and steel of an ochre colour to "pick up on the colours of the landscape".

The green roof would be seeded with grasses and heather.

In terms of landscaping, the application states: "The applicant wishes to retain the wild nature of the site, and no formal landscaping is proposed, with the intention being that all growth around the house would remain natural and wild."

There have been objections in the public comments section of the application on the council website.

"The proposed development is clearly a striking modern building, designed to take full advantage of the unparalleled views and location," Ranald Macpherson said as an owner of a neighbouring property.

"However, it is wholly out of keeping, in style and in scale, with the other buildings nearby."

Another objector Dr Peter Langhorne said: "I do not oppose (in principle) a modest, sympathetically designed house on that site. This proposal does not meet those criteria."

And Sam Seccombe said: "As a regular visitor and a professional wildlife conservationist I have to object to this planning application

"I believe this new enlarged modern dwelling will spoil the natural beauty of this landscape and become a carbuncle on the bluff, clearly visible by both day and night due to its prominent positioning and large illuminated windows."

An approach for comment has been made through Stella McCartney's website.