A concerned councillor has expressed disappointment after his amendment to refuse the controversial planning application for a temporary workers’ accommodation village at the Old Dormitory Site, Marybank, Stornoway, was defeated by 19 votes to 3 at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Councillor Gordon Murray  proposed the amendment, which was seconded by Cllr Rae Mackenzie and supported by Cllr Donald MacSween.

Speaking after the vote, Cllr Murray said:“I would like to sincerely thank Cllr Rae Mackenzie for seconding my amendment and Cllr Donald MacSween for supporting it. Their willingness to stand up for local residents on this issue is greatly appreciated.

"I am disappointed that the amendment was not supported by the majority of councillors. This development will have a significant impact on the amenity of residents in Marybank for up to five years. The scale of the proposal, combined with noise from generators, light pollution, increased traffic, and potential overlooking, represents an unacceptable impact on neighbouring homes. In addition, the development will negatively affect the setting and character of the Lewis War Memorial, an important commemorative asset for our islands.

"The amendment was firmly based on planning grounds, citing conflicts with key policies in the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan and National Planning Framework 4. Regrettably, these legitimate concerns for the local community did not receive the support they deserved.

"While I recognise the need for worker accommodation to support major energy projects, this particular site is simply not appropriate. Local people should not have to bear the brunt of these impacts when alternative locations with far less effect on residential areas were available.”

Cllr Rae Mackenzie, who seconded the amendment, added:“The site at Marybank was simply not the right location for a development of this scale. It is too close to existing homes and will bring unnecessary disruption to residents. Other alternatives, such as Arnish, could have been used instead with much less impact on the local community.”

Cllr Murray concluded:“I will continue to listen to residents and advocate strongly for their interests as this development progresses.”