Parents at Dalneigh Primary School are 'fuming' after plans revealed by Highland Council for a block of flats in a children’s play area were revealed
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Parents at an Inverness school are “fuming” after plans by Highland Council for a block of flats in a children’s play area were revealed.
Council planners have their sights set on a section of green space in front of Dalneigh Primary School for new flats.
The matter is due to be discussed at the Inverness city area committee next month, but after local councillor Bet McAllister told constituents of the zoning in the local development plan they think the idea should be taken off the table altogether.
Sam West, who runs the Dalneigh Community Hub and has a child at the school said: “There will be no green space for children.
“They will be crushed into a small concreted space.
“This plan is detrimental to children, to their health and wellbeing.”
Cllr McAllister said:”There is a long-term planning paper which proposes building blocks of flats on the splendid green space in front of Dalneigh Primary School – which would be an act of environmental vandalism.
“When I spoke to head teacher Rhona MacCormick she was alarmed that the school’s much-valued green frontage was threatened, so I circulated a newsletter to let nearby residents know of this threat.
“The general reaction has been one of horror – and anger.
“The document is coming before the city of Inverness area committee in November, when I’ll be vigorously opposing it.
“It’s a plan for the next 20 years, but if it was approved then there could be an application to build the flats in, say, three to five years.”
She added: “I’m all for building new council housing – but this location is highly inappropriate for blocks of flats.
“Dalneigh is a built-up area and it’s vital that the school’s green space is preserved.”
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said the site at Dalneigh Primary was currently an “alternative” option for development amongst a series of other sites throughout the wider area.
No comments from the community or other interested parties were received about the site when formal public consultation on the Main Issues Report prepared as part of an ongoing review of the long-term Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan took place earlier this year, she added.
The school and the council’s care and learning service were contacted directly for their views, with comments also subsequently received from the community council.
And the spokeswoman added: “These comments are being fully considered by officers and resulting recommendations will be presented to councillors for their approval.”
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