Inverness brewery owner says they ‘are determined to be a good neighbour’ after Queensgate residents object to new taproom plans
Plans to open a new taproom in Inverness city centre have prompted mixed reactions among the public.
Earlier this summer local craft brewery Dog Falls submitted a planning application to open a new taproom on Queensgate, within the premises formerly occupied by Semichem.
The move has sparked objections from residents of the building, who raised concerns over the change of use of the venue to a public house due to concerns that the presence of licensed premises will increase noise and potentially anti-social behaviour.
However, other members of the public have commented strongly in support of the planning application, saying this would support a local business and the city centre offering as a result.
Of 20 public comments published at the time of writing, 11 - all of which from residents in Queensgate - object the planning application, whereas nine are supportive of the project.
Queensgate resident Julia Gordon stated: “Queensgate and its surrounding area is more than adequately served by the current number of such businesses that currently operate therein.
“Noise levels are likely to create a serious disturbance for residents in the Queensgate Flats, particularly if a music licence was to be granted at some later date. This has been a constant complaint across the years arising from existing nearby public houses.
“The close proximity of the proposed public house to the entrance to the Queensgate Flats is especially likely to create a nuisance through littering, abuse of the door entry system, alcohol-fuelled vandalism and toileting in the recessed entrance to the Queensgate Flats.”
Supporters of the initiative instead praised the introduction of a taproom as a positive introduction to Inverness city centre and the growth of a small local business.
Dog Falls owner Robert Masson said 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.
Extending an invitation to get in touch for anyone with concerns, 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'!
“We are determined to be a good neighbour to residents and other businesses, and extend an open invitation to meet with our neighbours at any time to fully explain what we intend to do and hopefully allay their concerns. We would love nothing more than to work with our neighbours and take their concerns into account during the development of our taproom, and make changes wherever possible to mitigate any issues that may come up.”
He said 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.”
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