Plans for purpose-built Mull Aquarium at Tobermory Bay given go-ahead

Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of the Mull Aquarium, including a customised building for the facility.

Tobermory Harbour Association applied for the site at Taigh Solais, saying that it played “a vital role” in monitoring the natural marine environment of Tobermory Bay.

It added that failure to complete the proposed development would mean “the loss of a hugely important educational asset for the local community and for visitors”.

Argyll and Bute Council planning officers have now given the go-ahead for the development, with one expression of support received from the public during the planning process.

A planning officer from the authority said: “The information submitted with the application advises that the aquarium was originally located within the Taigh Solais Harbour Building.

“However, the building was not designed to facilitate an aquarium and, over time, this has caused damage to the harbour building in terms of dampness, corrosion and electrical issues.

“The proposed purpose-built building would have a simple and functional form and appearance that would integrate appropriately with the wider surroundings of the application site.

“The information submitted with the application has demonstrated a functional need for the proposed development, and it is considered that the scale of the development is commensurate with the need and its setting within the landscape.”

The officer’s assessment also stated that visitor numbers to the aquarium are predicted to remain at approximately 14,000 per year, with 20-30 people visiting at any one time.

They added: “The development proposed within this application relates to the provision of a purpose-built aquarium building to allow for the existing aquarium to be moved from within the Harbour Building.

“The Mull Aquarium is a ‘catch and release’ aquarium which is run by Tobermory Harbour Association, a not-for-profit, community-led harbour authority.

“The proposed building would facilitate the aquarium and would raise awareness to the local community and visitors on the importance of a healthy and sustainable marine ecosystem.

“The proposed development would, therefore, provide an educational asset for both the local community and visitors. The form and scale of the building would be commensurate with the nature of the facility and the community it is to serve.”