Ardersier hotel Gun Lodge could be turned into boutique wellness hotel if plans given go ahead
An Ardersier hotel that closed down last year could be turned into a wellness centre if given green light by councillors next week.
A planning application submitted by developer Shamrock Wellbeing — whose director is Culloden and Ardersier councillor and Inverness provost Glinys Campbell-Sinclair — seeks to convert the existing hotel to a boutique wellness hotel and restaurant.
The Gun Lodge, which sits on the northern edge of the village and was formerly owned by Sheena Fleming — who had been at the helm of the venue for more than a decade — was eventually sold a year ago, however it has remained vacant since.
Now, Shamrock Wellbeing are looking to uplift the building, which has been vacant for some time — with a planning application set to be decided at next Tuesday’s South Planning Application Committee.
The report published on Highland Council’s website states: “The proposal seeks to improve the quality of the building, which has undergone insensitive previous renovations to create a modern, fashionable hotel.
Among the controversial points is the changes planned for the building’s 4-pane sash windows, with concerns that a change to single pane windows would be “highly detrimental” to the historic building dating back to 1769 and originally the Fort George officer’s residence.
In its consultation response, Historic Environment Scotland stated that the replacement of windows would represent a “significant stripping of the building's historic character”.
They said: “As the hotel is not listed, we do not object to the proposals, but neither do we support the stripping of any character from the windows, nor the upvc materiality.”
“We consider that the fenestration to the rooms (within the original hotel building at least) need to be re-considered with regards the reduction in their character/interest; the single-paned windows will not only detract from the heritage character of the original building but will have a resultant adverse impact upon the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.“
Councillors on the committee are being recommended to grant the project full planning permission.
The planners’ report states: “The proposal is for relatively small-scale works to refurbish the hotel, with the demolition of a toilet block and its replacement with a gable conservatory, upgrading and conversion of the former manager’s house to a wellness centre, and the replacement of windows.
“The proposal will help to retain and consolidate an existing building within the Ardersier Conservation Area, contributing positively to the historic environment, and also provide a renewed and positive economic opportunity for hospitality and tourism in the village.
“Accordingly, the proposal is considered to comply with the historic environment policies, the design policies, and the tourism policies; and preserves the character and appearance of the Ardersier Conservation Area.”
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