Her sustainable clothing range promises to have a ‘positive impact’ on people and the planet.
But now Stella McCartney has been warned she must allow public access to a beach on a remote Highland plot where she hopes to build a £5m mansion.
McCartney, 52, and her husband, Alasdhair Willis, hope to erect a secluded hideaway at Commando Rock in Glenuig.
Dozens of objections have been lodged with Highland Council over the application in the name of the fashion designer’s husband.
The beauty spot, around 30 miles west of Fort William, is on the Moidart peninsula.
Highland Council’s forestry team had objected on the grounds Corsican pine trees could be felled and works for a water supply would have an ‘adverse effect’ on existing trees.
Public beach access may decide the fate of Stella McCartney’s plans for a new mansion
How Ms McCartney’s Highland mansion would look if planning permission is granted
McCartney, 52, and her husband, Alasdhair Willis, hope to erect a secluded hideaway at Commando Rock in Glenuig
Dozens of objections have been lodged with Highland Council over the application in the name of the fashion designer’s husband
Fresh plans tweaking designs in a bid to avoid damaging treelines were lodged with Highland Council in the summer.
A council official has now lodged a report offering advice on right of way at the site.
Bridget Thomas, an outdoor access officer, said she had no objections to the plans but insisted access must be maintained.
She said: ‘Although residents have an expectation of privacy in the area surrounding their house, this would not extend to the whole of the wider grounds.
‘Public access to the beach should be maintained as a planning condition.
There is an old built path to the beach, which although not recorded as such, would meet the criteria for designation as a Right of Way.
‘The path leaves the access track at NM70765 79115. Access to this path should not to be obstructed nor access to or along it deterred at any time before, during or after construction of the development.’
She added: ‘Any improvements or maintenance to preserve the old path to the beach would be welcomed.
Stella McCartney (right), 52, and her husband Alasdhair Willis attend the launch of the Stella McCartney Global flagship store on June 12, 2018 in London
Dozens of objections have been lodged with Highland Council over the application in the name of the fashion designer’s husband
Highland Council’s forestry team also had highlighted concerns over the project’s impact on trees and mature woodland
‘Should any fence or gate be erected on the access track to the property, this should either be beyond the junction with the path to the beach, or permanent pass gates should be installed to accommodate pedestrian access.
‘In addition, public access along the foreshore below the property to the north and west must not be restricted or discouraged at any time, and are protected under common law rights which existed prior to the Land Reforem (Scotland) Act 2003.’
Architects Brown and Brown had earlier written to Highland Council labelling some of the negative comments about the plans as ‘inaccurate’.
They said: ‘The applicant is aware of several comments made relating to the scale and location of the proposed development, which are either felt to be inaccurate, or against which it is felt further context would be beneficial.
‘It is not considered that the proposed house will be visible from Roshven House, or the adjacent Roshven Boathouse (run as a holiday let business), with both the existing topography and forestry making this impossible.
‘The proposed location of the house is to the North-West of the foundations already on site (under the extant permission for a dwelling house), to prevent the house being located at the horizon of the site when viewed from the water (as it is not considered the house can be seen from any location on land close enough for the form to be determined).’
McCartney, the daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has established herself as one of the world’s leading fashion designers.
Highland Council are expected to make a decision in due course.
