Council green lights Dubai billionaire’s plans for eighth house on Highlands estate

A DUBAI billionaire has won planning permission to build an eighth home on a Highland estate.

Representatives for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum lodged plans to build a five-bedroom home on the Inverinate Estate which is located on the banks of Loch Duich.

The Dubai ruler bought the 63,000-acre estate in Wester Ross more than 20 years ago and has already built several homes there with three helipads, a hunting lodge, and a pool as well.

The application to build a lodge with five bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, a lounge, a dining room, and a snug area was submitted to Highland Council in January.

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A separate application to build a seventh property was submitted last year to the local authorities.

The design statement for the eighth home which was included with the submitted application read: “The visitors of Inverinate estate typically travel in large groups of immediate and extended family and friends.

“In recent years their travel to Inverinate has been limited by lack of accommodation.

“This application seeks to enhance that accommodation by forming a new dwelling.

“The proposed design has sought to sensitively place a modest dwelling house into an area of land which is well hidden from view.”

Representatives for the Sheikh have argued the house will have “minimal impact” on the surrounding trees and habitats as it will be erected on an existing area of grass.

However, the Inverinate Estate, which sits on the coast of Loch Duich, is a special area of conservation.

It is home to large mammals including red deer, otters, pipistrelle, hedgehogs, bank voles, wood mice, and harbour seals.

The Sheikh of Dubai (below), who is believed to have a fortune of more than £10 billion, bought the 63,000-acre estate over 20 years ago for a reported £2 million.

He owns more than 100,000 acres of land and several sprawling estates in Scotland alone and is one of the richest men in the world.

The 74-year-old normally travels to the property once or twice a year.

The Highland Council ruled the development at Inverinate as “acceptable” on the condition that arboricultural and landscape provisions are adhered to.

It is unknown at the time how many objections, if there were any, were made.

The Highland Council have been approached for comment.