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Controversial bus gate project in Inverness delayed to enable ecological data to be gathered


By Val Sweeney

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Plans for the bus gate at Raigmore have run into strong opposition.
Plans for the bus gate at Raigmore have run into strong opposition.

Controversial plans to create a bus gate through the grounds of Raigmore Hospital in Inverness have been delayed to enable further ecological studies.

The proposed link from Churchill Road on Raigmore estate and through the hospital site to Old Perth Road has prompted an outcry from residents, citing the felling of mature trees and a detrimental impact on those living nearby.

They also feel there has been a lack of consultation about the project, which is required as a planning condition for the construction of the Centre for Health Science 2 at Inverness Campus, to alleviate congestion on surrounding roads.

Officers from NHS Highland, Stagecoach Highland and Highland Council had worked to identify a viable route to link communities by bus and make public transport more efficient across the network following an award from the Bus Priority Rapid Deployment Fund to deliver rapid bus links, .

But recent advice from Nature Scotland on the project now requires further ecological data to collected before trees can be felled to make way for the route.

A Highland Council spokesman said: "This advice results in a necessary delay to the project meaning its completion will not be eligible for funding through the Bus Priority Rapid Deployment Fund as the survey period extends beyond the date that the funding can be claimed.

"The Raigmore bus gate remains a long-held aspiration of the various parties involved in the project and is a requirement upon NHS Highland who must deliver it before it can occupy the Elective Care Centre currently under construction at Inverness Campus.

"The partners are now working to secure funding to progress the route through alternative sources.

"Work to deliver a link between Farraline Park and Rose Street is progressing as planned, contractors have commenced work on the route."

Related story: Row continues over planned bus gate


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