Inverness sports pitch stands plan by Highland Rugby Club approved by Highland Council
New stands built from shipping containers are set to be installed at a sports club in Inverness after council planners gave the plans the green light.
Highland Rugby Club had sought permission for two brand new 50-seater temporary stands, which will be made from the steel shipping containers.
The stands will be provided by Merseyside company, Eldapoint, a company which specialises in converting shipping containers for a variety of different sport and leisure uses - ranging from seating and changing rooms, to canteens.
As well as the new temporary stands, the application by the rugby club also included proposals to install new sustainable LED floodlights to illuminate the main grass pitch. Existing floodlights on the smaller junior grass pitch would also be upgraded.
The various new floodlighting would include six 15-metre tall lighting columns, solar panels on the roof of the existing clubhouse, and the installation of a battery storage system beside the clubhouse to store the charge from the panels.
Granting permission for the new facilities, a Highland Council planning officer said: “Whilst the proposal is at an outdoor sports facility, the proposed development will not lead to the loss of any of the sports pitches and will in effect enhance the sports provision on site. As such it is considered that it complies with the development plan.
“There are no immediate neighbours to the site so it considered that the proposed floodlighting and additional seating stands will not cause any noise, light, overlooking or privacy issues.”
They continued: “Historic Environment Scotland noted that the proposal was near the Caledonian Canal, Dochgarroch Lock-Muirtown Locks Scheduled Monument. However, this is an existing facility and it is separated from the Scheduled Monument by the A8082 West Link Road. In this case it is considered that the location of the site, along with the nature, scale and design of the proposal is such that it will have no adverse impact on the designated feature.
“The applicant has confirmed that the light intrusion ratio will be kept below five per cent and will work with the lighting contractor to ensure that this is included in the design. They will also ensure that the potential glare onto the A8082 West Link Road will be kept below the threshold of 15 per cent.”
