Ardersier Port proposals given go-ahead by Highland Council

The first phase of a new development at Ardersier Port has been given the green light.

Plans for the first phase of developments for the port's gateway, which include a café and heritage centre as well as a a new roundabout and a bus stop, were unanimously granted by Highland Council's south planning applications committee in Inverness on Wednesday.

Talking in support of the application, which was recommended for approval by council planning officers, Culloden and Ardersier councillor Morven Reid said: "I am content with the application.

"The design of the buildings is really sympathetic and I think it's going to be a very attractive entrance to the new development, and I am happy to support it."

The application was lodged by Ness Planning on behalf of Ardersier Port Ltd in February and was widely welcomed by the community.

The heritage centre is set focus on the history of McDermott’s, the company which historically operated from the site.

The now approved plans are just the first step of a wider wider multimillion-pound phased development of the port.

Future phases would seek the creation of a sand processing plant, an oil and gas rig decommissioning zone and an energy hub hydrogen plant.

An objection to the application by the area access officer highlighted concerns over the draft access management plan at this stage.

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