Erection of Health and Wellbeing Hub - Planning Application For Dunbeath

30th November 2022

The North Planning Committee of Highland council on 6 December will consider the application to build a Health and Wellbeing hub.

The application seeks consent for the erection of a new Health and Wellbeing hub alongside associated infrastructure including the formation of new access, improvement of an existing turning head, formation of car parking area and footpath link. The hub itself is proposed to be sited towards the north-western boundary of the
site and would be formed over a single storey across a largely rectangular footprint featuring an asymmetric roof pitch. Its total floor area is 300metres squared with external materials consisting of cedral cement fibre cladding with a roof covering of standing seam aluminium. 12 car parking spaces are proposed to the south of the
building with a mini-bus space immediately adjacent to the hub within the road verge.

A footpath will link the car parking area to the street network in Dunbeath and a polytunnel is also proposed towards the eastern boundary.

The hub is intended to replace the existing Dunbeath Community and Wellbeing Centre (which has a floor space of 110 metres squared) which lies just east of the site but on an increased scale and will continue to provide the existing services it offers with additional services able to be added and a greater number of users
accommodated. These are classes and events which are primarily intended for the elderly but with other services capturing all age groups. The proposed facilities range from social clubs, bingo, yoga and arts and crafts. A lunch club, outreach meal delivery service and community food larder will also be provided as well as a degree
of health-based services such as virtual consultations and physiotherapy.

The site currently includes a turning head area which would be extended into the site to form its access and there is an existing electricity pole and lines which traverse the southerly portion.

The applicant utilised the Council's formal Pre-Application Advice Service for Local Developments in July 2021 with advice issued on 27th August 2021; this noted broad support for the proposed development and highlighted issues which would require to
be resolved with any application. A follow up meeting was also held with the applicant, Planning Authority.

There wee several objections but many more in support.

The applications is recommended for approval.

To see the paper and see the design go HERE