Hilton pub could make way for council housing
A HILTON pub is set to be transformed into 13 flats if Highland Council gets the go-ahead for its redevelopment plans.
The Jolly Drover, in Kintail Crescent, Hilton, closed its doors in October last year after a police investigation was launched into the electricity supply to the premises.
Punch Taverns, which has the lease for the pub, had been keen to get a new tenant to take over but yesterday it refused to comment on the council proposals.
The local authority, which owns the land the pub stands on, lodged the application to build flats this week.
Jean Slater, chairwoman of Hilton, Milton and Castle Heather Community Council, welcomed the news and said the plan will be discussed at its next meeting tomorrow.
"Personally, I believe social housing is something that is definitely needed in the area," said Mrs Slater.
"I can’t comment on what the community council thinks of the plan until after the meeting and we will also need to see more details."
A council spokeswoman said because the outline plan was at such an early stage she could not give any more details.
Even if the project does get the green light, the local authority will have to compete with other councils across Scotland to secure funding, she added.
