Highland Council Tory group calls on the Scottish Government to halt Inverness Academy Street revamp plan saying it will cause ‘utter chaos’
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Highland Council’s plans to to revamp Academy Street in Inverness would cause “utter chaos” say the Scottish Conservative Highland Council Group.
Their hard hitting criticism comes as they implore Scottish Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop to put an end to Highland Council's plans.
Group leader Councillor Ruraidh Stewart has written to Fiona Hyslop expressing concern over Highland Council's Academy Street Regeneration Project funding bid because the damage and disruption it would cause to local residents and businesses.
The group highlights that a recent Economic Impact Assessment exposed that Highland Council's plans for Academy Street would have incredibly low benefit-to-cost ratio, (BCR) with the council only set to make 51p per £1 spent on the project.
It also points out that a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) revealed that the plans would lead to worse traffic flow, resulting in disruption for residents and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions - a clear contradiction of the projects aims.
The plans for Academy Street have already sparked serious concerns amongst locals, with 80% of businesses surveyed objecting to the proposals.
Cllr Stewart labelled these plans as “foolish” and “a reflection of the council's lack of fiscal responsibility.”
Cllr Stewart said: “Conservative councillors are committed to a thriving economy and we welcome investment that enhances connectivity and improves infrastructure across the Highlands. However, this proposal does not have the support of the local community nor does it provide value for money.
“I have written to the Scottish Government to raise the serious and legitimate concerns of the local community and to ask these serious concerns are taken into consideration when making any funding decisions regarding this bid.
“It is incumbent on all elected officials to ensure that public funds provide value and deliver real benefit to our communities ”
Cllr Stewart has also submitted a written question to the Council Leader calling for the administration to scrap the scheme.
Group member Councillor Helen Crawford said: “ I have previously called for a pause on this scheme, and for there to be genuine and meaningful engagement with the many traders and businesses who operate in and around Academy Street, and that Highland Council should not second guess the impact that a change in footfall will have on those businesses and those jobs.
“This consultant report lays bare the reality and frankly, vindicates what the traders have been telling us all along.
“We all want to improve Academy Street but not in the face of such overwhelming evidence clearly showing it is neither value for money nor likely to alleviate congestion across Inverness.”
The planned redesign includes restricting traffic to buses, delivery vehicles and drivers with disabilities and health conditions, but there are fears that this will divert traffic off this major through road into residential areas such as the Crown, and through the Longman Industrial Estate.
The proposals are also controversial because some businesses have said that while improvements were needed, the impact of the current plans have not been thoroughly assessed or consulted on.
Other proposals for the street include widening of footpaths and increasing the number of pedestrian crossings.
Another group member Councillor Isabelle Mackenzie said ”The council should not be throwing millions of pounds of tax payers money on this damaging design and it should not go ahead. I would rather see this money spent on our school estate, and local housing priorities.”
The letter to Ms Hyslop says: “Increased traffic congestion directly attributable to the project is another critical issue.
“The TIA predicts that junctions such as Harbour Road and the A82/Harbour Road roundabout will likely exceed capacity, worsening traffic flows rather than improving them. This proposal will not only disrupt life for residents and businesses but according to the WSP report will also contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, contradicting the scheme's stated aims.
“Finally, feedback from community consultations and prominent local business groups such as the Inverness Chamber of Commerce and Inverness BID indicate a considerable lack of support.
“The Local Community Council and over 80% of Businesses Surveyed objected to this proposal raising serious concerns which, to date, remain unresolved. These concerns reflect a broader apprehension about the project's impact on Academy Street and surrounding areas, with one business initiating judicial review.
“Not only does this project fail to meet the high standard of fiscal prudence and economic benefit that Scottish Taxpayers expect and deserve, but It does not have the support of the local community.
“I trust that you will take these matters into consideration when making any funding decisions regarding this bid.”
