We the undersigned are concerned and dismayed that the Highland Council is considering designating a large area of productive agricultural land within full view of Ben Nevis and the Nevis range of mountains for development of up to 300 houses and business use.

It is our opinion that this would create excessive light noise and carbon pollution on a scale that would be irreversible and in addition to the detrimental visual impact from the mountain range on an area of such national importance, natural beauty and value as a tourist destination for people from all over the world. The Great Glen should only be developed in an environmentally sensitive way with due consideration given to the existing residents, both human and wildlife, especially when there is little evidence that a development of this size is appropriate or needed on a green field site when there is sufficient brown field land, and land which if developed would have less impact, in and immediatly around Fort William.

It is also our opinion that the prime focus should be on the regeneration of Fort William town itself before even considering development of rural areas and we are suspicious that this proposal is being driven by wealthy land owners who are simply after further gain without long term consideration for the area. We do not believe the Highland Council is acting in the best interests of the environment, residents both existing and future or the tourism industry upon which the local population is heavily dependent.

We would like to thank the Highland Council for reading our letter and taking note of our comments and trust that they will reconsider.

Thank you.