PLANS have been revealed for two stylish new houses to be built in Rhu.

A site on the village’s Station Road, southwest of Tigh Geal, is the subject of the planning application by Charles Fleming.

The planned properties have a design which is said will blend in with the natural environment, with timber finishes to the outside walls.

A decision is expected from Argyll and Bute Council by the middle of November, and the public can view plans and submit comments to the authority.

A design statement by planning agents Michael Pater Design said: “The development site has an area of 6,900 square metres and is within the settlement boundary of Rhu. It is located in the garden grounds to the front of Tigh Geal.

“The surrounding area is established residential with a mix of traditional and contemporary properties. A shared access is proposed via the existing driveway to Tigh Geal onto Station Road.

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“The site is generally steeply sloping and the houses will be positioned on less sloping areas on existing clearings in the woodland. The houses are designed to use the slope to incorporate two storeys and a basement with two car integral garaging, car parking and manoeuvring areas at the ground floor level.

“The siting of the proposed properties are to be on existing clearings within the managed wood land in order to minimise the removal of mature trees.”

The statement added: “Rhu is a conservation area and, in consideration of the sensitivity of the neighbouring Glenarn’s designed landscape status and the managed woodland of Tigh Geal, it was decided that the visual impact of the development should be minimised.

“A design has been worked up which will seek to blend with the natural environment. Façades will consist of weathered timber (Larch and Cedar) in mixed orientation.

“Large glazed areas with slim profile anthracite coloured frames and glass balustrading have been selected in order merge with and reflect surrounding foliage. A 40m mature tree and shrub buffer zone will be maintained between the proposed houses and Glenarn House.

“The buildings will present a simple sloping zinc roof to Tigh Geal and open aspects are maintained by the spacing between the buildings and elevational difference.

“A 30m privacy zone will be maintained between the proposed houses and the gardens of 3 and 4 Torr Crescent.”

To view the plans in full search the reference code 21/01540/PP here.

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