Planning Permission Recommended for Stella McCartney's Clifftop Home
Fashion designer Stella McCartney and her husband Alasdhair Willis are poised to obtain planning permission for a clifftop residence in the west Highlands, which they intend as their "forever home." The property is located at Roshven on Loch Ailort.
The initial proposals for the site attracted numerous objections throughout 2023, with concerns focusing on the property's scale, architectural design, and potential effects on the surrounding landscape and local wildlife.
Following the submission of amended plans to Highland Council officers, a recommendation has been made for councillors to approve the application, subject to certain conditions.
"We are delighted by the recommendation," said a spokesperson for the couple, emphasizing that the house is intended as a family home.
Site History and Design Intentions
The proposed location, known as Commando Rock, has historical significance as a former military training area.
Stella McCartney, daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, has gained international recognition as a leading fashion designer. In 2022, she was awarded a CBE for her contributions to fashion and sustainability.
The couple's spokesperson highlighted their commitment to creating a "highly sustainable home that has been sympathetically designed." They also noted that planning permission for a property on this site was granted in 2000 under a previous owner.
"The proposed house has been sympathetically designed, using natural Scottish stone with a turfed roof, and will be secluded and barely visible due to the site's contours, including views from the water.
This has been designed to blend into the landscape to a greater extent than the house under the existing permission."
"Unlike many of the homes in the area, this is not a holiday home; it is a house that the applicant's family will live in, their forever home."
Next Steps in the Planning Process
The south planning applications committee of Highland Council is scheduled to review the plans in the coming week.
