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Stella McCartney's Highland home approved by councillors
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Councillors have approved plans by fashion designer Stella McCartney and her husband Alasdhair Willis for a clifftop home in the Highlands. The proposals for a site on Loch Ailort, a sea loch west of Fort William, had received more than 65 objections. Opponents raised concerns about the property's size, design and impacts on the landscape and wildlife. A spokesperson for the couple said the stone walls and turfed roof would make it barely visible, and that the energy efficient house would be used as a "family, forever home". McCartney and Willis' proposed site is in an area at Roshven on a rocky headland called Commando Rock which historically was used for military training. A previous owner of the land had started work on a house in the early 2000s, but later abandoned the project leaving some low walls. The couple's project overlaps some of the previous site, and avoids removing pine trees, which had been a cause of some objections. Renewable energy would provide power to the new house. McCartney, daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, has established herself as one of the world's leading fashion designers. She was awarded a CBE in recognition of her services to fashion and sustainability in 2022. Willis is a creative director at clothing brand Adidas. Highland Council's south planning applications committee approved the plans on Wednesday, subject to a number of conditions. They included measures to mitigate the impact of external lighting on the landscape due to the site's elevated position. There was also a requirement that sewage and surface water drainage be handled away from the site's cliff edge. A licence is also required from Scotland's nature body, NatureScot, due to the presence of otters in the area. Fort William and Ardnamurchan Green Party councillor Kate Willis asked that "strong" conditions be placed on the project. But her request for a decision on the application to be deferred to allow for a site visit was not supported by other councillors. Highland Independent councillor Thomas MacLennan said the property would sit "more comfortably" in the landscape than the previously consented property. A spokesperson said the couple had sought to deliver a "highly sustainable home that has been sympathetically designed". They said the property would use natural Scottish stone and have a turfed roof. The spokesperson added: "It will be secluded and barely visible due to the site's contours, including views from the water. "Unlike many of the homes in the area, this is not a holiday home; it is a house that the family will live in, our forever home. "We look forward to continuing to engage with the local community as we progress our development and when we move into our new home." Reigate and Banstead Council is to decide on an outline application for 130 homes near Kingswood. The council says it is unlikely any enforcement action would be taken over the Hornsea sculptures. Why Heyford Park in Oxfordshire is no longer part of the government's New Town programme. West Berkshire Council had rejected the plan for the site close to the M4 in March 2025. South Norfolk council says the homes will be '100% affordable'
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