Concerns over plans to replace Inverness home with new development
A community council has raised concerns about a planning application to knock down a house and replace it with eight flats and two houses.
A planning application in principle (PIP), lodged with Highland Council, is proposing to demolish the property, Abysinia, in Island Bank Road, while preserving the character of the conservation area.
Maria De La Torre, chairwoman of Lochardil and Drummond Community Council, claims the development would adversely affect the historic nature of the conservation area around Island Bank Road.
After a virtual meeting with fellow community councillors, the group made a decision to object to the plan.
In a letter to Highland Council, Ms De La Torre said: “We have strong concerns that demolishing this building will lead to an erosion of the qualities of the Riverside Conservation Area, and will set a precedent for further demolition of adjacent buildings.
“As it stand this application represents an over-development of the site.”
The building was constructed between 1903 and 1929, and is described as ‘low key’ by the Historic Environment team at Highland Council.
In planning documents Colin Armstrong Architects, on behalf of the developer Mrs S Anderson, state: “The proposal involves demolition of a single storey detached house of little architectural merit and redevelopment of the site to provide a modest residential development of eight units.”
