Farr Bay Inn Hotel Expansion
Location: Farr Bay Inn, Bettyhill, Thurso, Highland
Approval Type: Full Planning Application
Outcome: Approved with Conditions
Planning Authority: Highland Council
Date Approved: April 2024
Background
Farr Bay Inn is a well-established boutique hotel located on the North Coast 500 route, adjacent to the beach at Bettyhill. Originally a category C-listed manse dating from 1819, the property has been successfully diversified into a hospitality business offering hotel rooms, holiday cottages, a bar and fine dining restaurant. To meet increasing visitor demand and strengthen the local tourism offer, the owners sought to sensitively expand the accommodation provision on the site.
The Proposal
The application proposed the erection of four new hotel cabins to provide additional guest accommodation. The units are constructed from recycled shipping containers, highly insulated, and powered by air-source heat pumps to ensure low-carbon, all-electric operation. Each unit is mounted on screw pile foundations to minimise ground disturbance. The cabins are positioned behind the existing inn buildings to protect the setting of the listed building and reduce visual impact from the surrounding coastal landscape. Existing car parking provision serves the additional units, with private drainage arrangements connecting into the inn's established waste system.
Our Approach
Greenfinch prepared a comprehensive Planning, Design, and Access Statement, clearly demonstrating compliance with both the Highland-wide Local Development Plan (2012) and National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). Key planning considerations addressed included:
Alignment with sustainable tourism and rural economic development policies (NPF4 Policy 30, LDP Policies 28, 43, 44)
Minimal impact on the setting of nearby listed buildings (LDP Policy 57)
Sustainable design through use of recycled materials, off-site modular construction, and renewable energy sources
Protection of natural habitats with additional native planting to enhance biodiversity
Sensitive siting and low-profile design ensuring limited visual and landscape impact
The submission also addressed drainage, heritage, archaeology, and flood risk matters to demonstrate a fully policy-compliant and environmentally responsible proposal.
The Outcome
The application was determined under delegated authority and granted planning permission subject to standard conditions. No objections were received from statutory consultees or the public. The planning authority concluded that the development accorded with the development plan and presented no material reasons for refusal.
Key Successes:
Sustainable tourism expansion supporting the North Coast 500 destination
Careful integration with a listed building and sensitive coastal setting
Low-carbon, low-impact modular construction
Approval secured efficiently under delegated powers with full officer support
This project demonstrates how modest, well-designed rural tourism developments can responsibly enhance visitor infrastructure while safeguarding sensitive landscapes, heritage assets, and local communities.
