Committee grants planning permission in principle for Charleston Academy and Kinmylies Primary School site

Highland Council’s South Plannings Application Committee has granted planning permission in principle for a nine-phase redevelopment of the Charleston Academy and Kinmylies Primary School site.

“I very much welcome this decision,” said councillor Alex Graham, whose Inverness West ward includes the schools.

“Parents, teachers, pupils, and councillors for the school catchment area have been working for years towards a new Charleston Academy.

“The 46-years-old school building is in very poor condition. and the discovery of RAAC concrete [Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete] at the school last year came as a major shock and has resulted in extensive and disruptive remedial work.

“The roof leaked so badly that pupils made a video about it, and since then the Council has indeed carried out major roof repairs which I hope will be complete this summer.

“Last year the Council pushed back new building work to at least 2029. However, I understand a new 20-year financial initiative is coming forward which may allow the Council to carry out more capital works such as schools, roads, and bridges.

“I hope Charleston will be a high priority on the list when that initiative is considered. It can’t wait as the building will have completely exceeded its working life within 20 years.

”I am grateful to the South Planning Applications Committee for approving this application and along with other Councillors will be pressing for further progress in the months ahead .”

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