As filed with the council

Non Material Amendment relative to Planning Permission 21/01929/PP - Proposed new stairway and replacement handrails, formation of new visitor platform at the top of existing jetty and over previous walkway - Following the completion of the jetty works on the Isle of Staffa, a new team has developed plans for a less complex and less intrusive staircase structure than was originally planned. The original plans included substantial breaking out of the natural rock strata in order to accommodate the stairs which brings significant risks to the stability of the rock. The original plans included steps made of pre-cast concrete set into steel runners and supported on concrete foundations. The revised plans now include a lighter superstructure made of mild steel and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) which is more than sufficiently durable and will be coloured dark grey to blend with the surrounding rock. Concrete foundations will be coloured dark grey and will be supported by hidden dowels drilled into the rock. An advantage of the new plan is that, once installed, the stairs can easily be removed in the future and simply replaced. The location of the stairs has not changed. The positioning of the stairs has been modified very slightly in order to minimise any need for breaking out existing rock. The gradient of the stairs varies but the new plan incorporates a continuous, flowing, single structure with steps all of the same width (900mm). Overall this amendment will greatly improve the accessibility, safety and visual appearance of the existing Staffa staircase.