Plans to build more than 36 flats in Inverness face objections from community association
Plans to build more than 36 flats in a mix of two and three-storey blocks near a retail park in Inverness have been objected by a community association.
Aviemore-based Upland Developments are proposing to build 36 flats and 8 cottage flats on land fronting Inshes Road and Sir Walter Scott Drive, south of Inshes Retail Park.
Inshes Community Association (ICA) has objected to the planning, stating that the "site is not a development opportunity but one that is reserved for uses directly related to the delivery of Inshes Park."
Chairman of ICA, Thomas Prag submitted an objection to Highland Council stating that the proposed land use is currently challenged and remains to be resolved in accordance with the local development plan (LDP).
He said: "Where the proposed land use is challenged and remains to be resolved, ICA understand that the planning authority does not have the powers to determine an application unless this process has reached a conclusion and the outcome comprises the adopted replacement LDP.
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"This application is premature, it does not accord with the adopted Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan (IMFLD).
"The objection lodged by ICA to the proposed LDP must first be resolved and due process allowed to reach a fair and proper conclusion.
"The proposed flats are three storeys in height. This is not in character with the area where 1.5 or 2 storey houses predominate. The flats rely on the amenity of Inshes Park for outlook and setting, but in reality represent an overdevelopment of the site where the open space is bounded by the distributor road and there is minimal landscaping is provided.
"The flats are centred along the main access roads, close to a major interchange and directly opposite the service delivery access road that serves Inshes Retail Park. There is no restriction on the hours of delivery for vehicles to the retail park meaning that there is potential for noise nuisance and general disturbance from the HGV vehicles that access the retail park at all times. "Proposals should support attractive built spaces. This proposal is for six, three storey blocks of flats (36 flats) on a site of limited open space or amenity ground and surrounded by a busy interchange, service yard to a major retail park and where part of the site is to be used as a commercial car park.
"The residents will have limited amenity and will be subject to the potential of noise nuisance, general disturbance and the 24-hour use of the Ionity car park including customers of the nearby fast food outlets.
"ICA seek [Highland Council] assurances this application will be refused on the basis of its prematurity, noting its inappropriate layout, density of development, poor amenity and lack of open space."
