Community frustration has escalated following the latest extension granted by Argyll and Bute Council for the controversial retrospective planning application for an unauthorised car park at Torrisdale Bay.
The application, which seeks permission for an already-built “stay and pay” car park, has been pushed back yet again, with the council now aiming for a determination at the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing (PPSL) committee on December 17.
 
Kintyre and the Islands councillor Alastair Redman voiced serious concern over the latest postponement, which comes after months of previous delays that allowed the landowner repeated opportunities to submit a valid application.
Councillor Redman said he remains “firmly opposed” to the proposal and believes the ongoing deferrals are eroding public trust.
 
“The repeated extensions are unacceptable,” he said. “Communities deserve better than prolonged uncertainty. Extending the planning process yet again serves only to undermine confidence in how applications are handled.”
 
He added that the continued process is “not fair to those who have already engaged with the process in good faith” and called for a swift, decisive end to the matter.
 
“This application should be concluded without further unnecessary delay, and I will continue to oppose it firmly and responsibly on behalf of my constituents,” he said.
Argyll and Bute Council confirmed that the need to go before the PPSL committee, due to the number of representations received, necessitated the time extension.
 
The application currently has 111 objections and 11 representations in support, mainly from addresses outwith Argyll.
 
A council spokesperson said: “Due to the high volume of representation to the Torrisdale Car park applications, the applications are required to go to PPSL committee. It is anticipated this will be the December PPSL committee and therefore a time extension was requested.”
 
The spokesperson also noted that the applicant was asked to amend the site plan following a request from the roads department, requiring a three-week time frame for the revised submission.
 
East Kintyre residents, who have been campaigning against the development since it was first reported as an unauthorised project in late 2024, expressed their disappointment at the news.
Helen Rowlands from Carradale was “astounded” to hear of the further delay, noting that the decision date is now likely to take the process past the one-year mark since the initial “devastation” was reported.
 
“This is one year in which an unauthorised business has been allowed to operate, which I find completely shocking” she said. “Approval of this application underlines that it is better or more lucrative to build first and seek permission later and is setting a very dangerous precedent.”
 
Helen reiterated that the planning process is there to safeguard residents and the natural environment, particularly the coastline, and encouraged others to share their view on the development.
 
She said: “If you thought you had missed the deadline, please do still have your say: yours might just be the one that tips the balance.”
 
Lesley Kingsley from Peninver also condemned the ongoing situation, calling the applicant an “absentee landlord” who has demonstrated “no concern for the local community, its history, environment and sensitivities”.
 
The council spokesperson confirmed that the time extension preserves the applicant’s right of appeal against ‘non-determination’ while allowing time for the submission of the requested information and committee scheduling.
 
View or comment on the retrospective applications (25/01021/PP and 25/01524/ADV) on Argyll and Bute Council’s website. 
Why not try these links to see what our West Coast AI  can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service) 
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
 
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used  to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
 
I’m also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
 
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used  to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
 
I’m also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You are not permitted to copy, republish, reproduce any text, photos, graphics, sounds from this website without written permission from the editor@westcoasttoday.co.uk
We at West Coast Today endeavour to ensure that all our reports are fair and accurate and comply with the Editors’  Code of Practice set by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). We realise, however, that mistakes happen from time to time. If you think we have made a significant mistake and you wish to discuss this with us, please let us know as soon as possible by any of the three methods: emailing editor@westcoasttoday.co.uk; telephoning the editor on 01631 568000; writing to the Editor at West Coast Today, Crannog Lane, Lochavullin estate, Oban, PA34 4HB. We will attempt to resolve your issue in a timeous, reasonable and amicable manner. However, if you are unsatisfied with our response, you can contact IPSO, which will investigate the matter. You can either telephone IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or email inquiries@ipso.co.uk. IPSO is an independent body which deals with complaints from the public about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines. We will abide by the decision of IPSO.
© 2025 Wyvex Media Limited.

source