Council / Wildlife sanctuary revamp gets planning permission from SIC
Plans are also lodged for Shetland Fudge Company’s new base in Lerwick
THE UPGRADE of Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary has reached the next step after the project received planning permission.
The plans overcome a handful of representations within the Northmavine community, with an initial proposal to discharge drainage from the site into a reed bed ultimately getting changed to a set-up featuring a pipe heading out to sea.
Reaching a decision, Shetland Islands Council planners said: “It has been demonstrated that there will be no unacceptable adverse impact on the National Scenic Area, the surrounding environment or on existing residential and other development close to the site.”
The £400,000 project will include a visitor centre in addition to new facilities for seals and otters.
The sanctuary’s Jan and Pete Bevington work to begin construction work early next year subject to building warrants being in place.
In other planning news, Shetland Fudge Company has submitted proposals to transform the Smiths of Lerwick clothes shop on Commercial Street after buying the property.
The company aims to turn the multi-floor building into a retail, cafe and takeaway space.
It said it would open the building between 8am and 8pm Monday to Saturday, with opening hours on Sunday too, while it could employ a total of 10 staff.
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