Home   News   Article

Highland councillors set to vote for plans by Dog Falls Brewing for new Inverness city centre taproom next week





Councillors are set to vote on plans by an Inverness craft brewery to open a new city centre venue next week.

An artist impression of the taproom.
An artist impression of the taproom.

Local brewery Dog Falls, which started off producing from a garage in Scaniport and has expanded to premises in an industrial unit in Lotland Place, lodged plans to transform a vacant unit on Queensgate into a taproom in summer 2024.

The planning application attracted many comments in favour (27) from the public who would see this as a valuable addition to the city centre scene - as well as several objections (11) from local residents who worried that it could bring noise and disturbance and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Now the application will be discussed in front of the South Planning Application meeting next Wednesday, with planners recommending to grant permission.

The related report states that the proposal is considered to be “an appropriate use of a vacant city centre unit”, whose re-use” will enhance the vitality and viability of the city centre.”

It also addressed the objections by residents and housing association Cairn Housing - which include potential noise and disturbance which “could impact residents’ amenity”, with some bedrooms positioned directly above the site, as well as “reducing property values” and “overprovision of pubs in the vicinity of the site.”

The report states: “The site is located on the ground floor of an established unit within the defined city centre of Inverness. Within this area of the city, there are a mix of retail, commercial, business and residential activities, with a commensurate mix of noise and activity.

“It is however recognised that the unit is located below residential properties. Therefore, there is potential for operational noise, in particularly from any live or amplified music, or plant equipment, to adversely impact on residents.

“The supporting statement states that the proposed public house will not provide live music or entertainment, as it wishes to allow patrons to interact and talk. This will help limit any noise and disturbance to the adjacent properties.

“Environmental Health do not object to the proposal but have recommended conditions be added to any decision requiring the provision of a Noise Management Plan, as well as restricting the audible noise to any noise sensitive premises.

“This is considered sufficient to address concerns regarding noise.”

Dog Falls Brewing owner Robert Masson had previously addressed the objections by stressing that they are determined to be “a good neighbour” and stressing that activities of the taproom will mainly be taking place during the day, focusing on tasting sessions and tours and training hospitality - and will be much quieter in comparison to other neighbouring licensed businesses.

He said: “I completely understand why residents may be concerned if they look at the change of use to the broad 'public house' planning category, but it's really important to note that we have no intention of operating a typical pub or bar at these premises. Unfortunately, there is no planning category for 'Brewery Tap Room'!”

He then added that he was thankful for the support received from a part of the community.

“We are delighted to see significant support from the local community for our next steps in growing a small, local business, bringing a disused premises in the city centre back to life, and creating jobs.

“The last few years has been an incredibly challenging time for small local businesses, and we are just really grateful to all our customers and the wider community for their support, which is enabling us to take this vital next step in contributing to the local economy.”


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More