Inverness woodland improvement plans to be recommended for approval by Highland Council’s south planning applications committee
Planned improvements at a community-owned Inverness beauty spot are being recommended for approval.
The Culduthel Woods Group has applied for permission to improve and add to the existing path network and carry out wildlife habitat improvements in Culduthel Community Woods.
Although the plans have prompted objections, Highland Council planning officers are recommending the south planning applications committee approves the application when it meets on Wednesday April 2.
• Inverness beauty spot improvements plan lodged with Highland Council
• Culduthel Woods Group defends plans for woodland improvement works
The Culduthel Wood, which covers an area of about six hectares, includes formal and informal paths plus a pond in the northern part of the site.
It is also subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
The group says its plans are aimed at improving accessibility for all users while also improving existing infrastructure and protecting the environment.
Measures proposed include the creation of ‘non-dig paths’ made out of several layers and crushed stone on top of the existing surface to protect the tree roots underneath.
Other proposals include new signage, enhancement of the existing pond habitat in order to remove excess silt and boost wildlife and biodiversity, as well as work on existing stone walling, drainage, and the installation of dropped kerbs at the woodland’s entrances.
But concerns raised by objectors include the loss of privacy and an increase in visitor numbers and anti-social behaviour,
Other concerns include the impact on protected species and wildlife, increased flooding, a change of character and the impact on infrastructure and services.
In a report to be presented to councillors at next week’s meeting, the council’s forestry states the proposed development is considered acceptable subject to conditions while informal discussion indicates the ecology officer has no objection and considered the impact on wildlife to be low.
In recommending the application be approved, the planning officer states: “The proposal is considered to complement the South Inverness Placemaking Priorities set out in the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan for encouraging more sustainable, walkable communities by improving the pre-existing paths to allow for walking, wheeling and cycling.”
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