Controversial Kings House Refurb Plans Approved

© UKC News

Controversial plans to give the historic Kings House Hotel in Glen Coe - one of Scotland's oldest licensed inns - a complete 'industrial style' overhaul have been given the go-ahead by Highland Council, despite appeals from conservation groups and Mountaineering Scotland to reconsider the proposal. The hotel dates back to the 18th Century and is an important hub in Scottish climbing lore, in addition to its appeal as a landmark and pub stop on the West Highland Way.

Photomontage of the proposed Kings House extension.  © Covell Matthews Architects
Photomontage of the proposed Kings House extension.
© Covell Matthews Architects

The proposal by Black Corries Estate Management Ltd. is to create a large three-storey extension to the original two-storey inn, and to remove existing extensions made in the 1960s.

Mountaineering Scotland condemned the proposed extension as being oversized and out of character in a formal objection to the plans in September. Objections to the application were also submitted by the National Trust for Scotland and the John Muir Trust.

Reacting to Highland Council's decision, David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer for Mountaineering Scotland, said in a news report on their website: 'We are most definitely not against redevelopment of this much-loved hotel, which has played its own part in the area's climbing history.

'We made no objection to the original plans which were granted in 2016, for a building much more in keeping with the original building and the landscape.

'But this new plan which has been approved now is arguably no different to hotel buildings found in large cities and certainly does not 'respect, enhance or make responsible use of our natural assets' as required by the National Planning Framework.'


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6 Feb, 2018

Looks absolutely hideous!

6 Feb, 2018

I believe that roofline is what Kevin McCloud would call 'an architectural nod to the surrounding mountains'.

6 Feb, 2018
6 Feb, 2018

Welcome to Marriottpremiertravelibis Rannoch!

6 Feb, 2018

Architecture dictates behaviour. This work should be done with local stone, local timber and slates and should harmonise with the history and traditions and scenery. That's what creating a valuable vernacular is all about. A bit of chrome and glass is fine but the design has to stand the test of time. This is an iconic hotel, I remember well the pizzas and the 80 shillings after days on the Ben. So much modern architecture is cheap rubbish and never looks good twenty years hence. A good architect could create a future icon.

DC

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