Fashion designer Stella McCartney and her husband, Alasdhair Willis, are facing objections from local residents over plans to build a modernist home on a coastal site in the Highlands of Scotland. More than 50 objections have been raised, with critics expressing concerns about the impact on the natural environment. They urge McCartney, known for her environmental advocacy, to adopt a more eco-friendly design that blends with the surroundings and preserves the local landscape. The proposed construction aims to be site-specific, prioritizing privacy and seclusion. The plans are under review by the Highland council, and the location, known as Commando Rock, holds historical significance from World War II, with stunning views of nearby islands.
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In the world of fashion, Stella McCartney is renowned, but her intentions for a vacation retreat in the Highlands have upset local residents. More than 50 objections have been raised against her proposal to construct a contemporary, glass-fronted residence in a breath taking coastal location with sweeping sea views and a private beach.
The Commando Rock, a promontory on the Moidart peninsula near Glenuig, situated 34 miles to the west of Fort William, was previously owned by an artist who put it up for sale for £450,000 in 2021. The plans submitted to the Highland council, presented by Alasdhair Willis, McCartney’s husband, feature a design statement from the architects Brown & Brown, emphasizing a simple choice of materials .The intended construction would incorporate a modern and harmonious combination of unrefined Scottish stone, along with concrete and weathered steel.
However, critics have labelled it as “enormous” and an “eyesore” that will mar the pristine location, necessitate the removal of Scots pine trees, and disrupt the local wildlife, including otters. They urge McCartney, aged 52 and known for her support of environmental causes, to revise the plans to ensure better integration with the natural surroundings.
A local council member representing Fort William and Ardnamurchan, who is among those opposing the project, expressed, While everyone is open to welcoming the couple, there is a desire for a more environmentally-friendly design that harmonizes with the site’s natural character. It would be preferable if the structure blended in better, possibly incorporating a turf roof. This location sits on a promontory with Scots pine trees, and the local community prefers to preserve them, avoiding their removal.
An undisclosed resident shared, It’s believed in the area that the construction will cost approximately £5 million. Stella McCartney, who emphasizes her commitment to environmental sustainability, intends to build a house primarily using steel and concrete.
Other objectors are seeking assurances that access to the beach east of the property will be maintained and that otter habitats will be safeguarded.
The application states that the applicant aims to create a residence that is uniquely suited to the site, with the site’s natural features, contours, orientation, and sunlight playing a central role in the design. Privacy is of utmost importance to the applicant, and the secluded nature of the site will be preserved, with the house remaining largely concealed from view.
The design is tailored to the specific characteristics of the site, with factors like the natural surroundings, existing land contours, orientation, and sunlight direction being crucial influences on the design. Preserving privacy is a top priority for the applicant, and they aim to maintain the site’s seclusion, ensuring that the house remains discreetly situated.
The plans are currently under review by the Highland council, and a decision will be made at a later date.
The designer’s affinity for Scotland is rooted in her childhood, spent at the farmhouse on the southwest coast, which was acquired by her parents, Sir Paul McCartney and the environmentalist Linda McCartney.
Commando Rock acquired its name due to its historical use for training soldiers to ascend rocky outcrops with improvised ladders made from felled trees during World War II. Many of these ladders were discovered intact by previous owners. The rock offers breath taking views towards the islands of Eigg, Rum, and Muck.
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