THE billionaire ruler of Dubai has been given the go-ahead to build a ninth house on his Highland estate.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum is to erect a three bedroom home for a shepherd who manages the sheep population on Inverinate Estate.
The billionaire ruler bought the 63,000-acre estate more than 20 years ago.[/caption]
The 75-year-old has an estimated £14 billion fortune and bought the 63,000 acre estate in Wester Ross more than 20 years ago.
He has been expanding the number of properties on his land in recent years to make more room for guests and staff and has previously upset locals with his plans.
The Highland retreat already boasts three large homes, a cottage and two lodges as well as three helipads. Last year the sheikh was given permission to erect a further 11 bedroom mansion and a five bedroom home.
Planning permission has now been submitted by Highland Council for a ‘Shepherd’s cottage’ at the site.
The plans show the two-storey property will have three bedrooms and an open plan kitchen and living room area.
A design statement submitted by the sheikh’s representatives stated: “The proposed site for the shepherd’s cottage is located within the curtilage of the Inverinate Estate.
“The specific location has been chosen for its proximity to grazing land and existing farm buildings, ensuring efficient access for the shepherd.
“While respecting the scenic qualities of the area, the chosen site offers minimal visual impact due to existing land features of rolling hillside and its position will become an integral part of the loosely formed grouping of agricultural and residential buildings.
“The proposed shepherd’s cottage has been carefully designed to meet the functional needs of the estate’s sheep management, while respecting the character of the Highland landscape.
“Sustainable construction methods, a sensitive approach to design, and features that enhance biodiversity will ensure the cottage integrates harmoniously with its surroundings.”
The planning documents state the design of the house will prioritise sustainable construction methods “where possible” including using locally sourced, low-carbon materials and incorporating energy-efficient features like good insulation and solar panels.
The proposed cottage will be accessed by an existing estate track used for farm vehicles meaning no new access roads will be required.
The local authority granted planning approval for the project after no objections were received.
In a written ruling, planning officials said: “In design terms, the proposal would correspond with the design of the neighbouring houses within the estate.
“The fact that the building would sit against a rising backdrop would also help to assimilate it into its setting. The mountainous backdrop would also dwarf the scale of the proposed building, resulting in a low level of landscape impact.
“It is therefore considered that the proposal would not adversely affect the special qualities of the National Scenic Area.”
A separate planning application for a 10th property – a 15 bedroom ‘guest lodge’ – was submitted in December and is still under consideration by officials.
In 2020, the sheikh won a planning battle to build a six bedroom lodge at the estate after the Scottish Government overruled a council vote to block it.
Locals claimed it would spoil the natural beauty of the area at Loch Duich and be too close to a neighbouring bungalow.
Government planning officials said they saw no reason not to allow the building as long as the sheikh pays for affordable housing in the area.
In December 2021 a judge in London ordered the sheikh to pay his former wife £554 million in Britain‘s biggest divorce settlement.
He was told to pay Princess Haya bint al-Hussein an initial lump sum of £251.5million within three months for her and their two children‘s security.
