Developer 'disappointed' not to get planning permission to redevelop the Ironworks but Bricks Group remain committed to the £30 million hotel plan for Inverness city centre
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The developer behind plans for a £30 million hotel on the site of the Ironworks has expressed disappointment that the company did not get planning permission.
Earlier today councillors voted to to defer the final decision on whether or not to grant planning permission.
The move will was a blow to developer Bricks Capital which has been trying since 2019 to get approval for the scheme, even significantly redrawing plans to meet earlier design criticisms.
Afterwards a spokesman for Bricks said: “We’re naturally disappointed that the application recommended by council officials has been deferred, but we’ll be happy to liaise on any queries members may have.
“This is a £30 million inward investment, the biggest on the horizon for the city centre, with 100 construction jobs and 65 permanent ones, so it could be beneficial to Inverness’s post-pandemic future.
“We look forward to engaging with the council in the hope of securing a positive decision in due course.”
New councillor Michael Cameron tabled an amendment not to take decision saying he wanted more information despite planning officers having recommended approval of the revised plans.
He said: “I would say that some of the things that have been raised, I do have concerns with, and as a local member I don’t particularly like the hotel, but I am in no way an expert in city centre hotels.”
Prior to that councillors had been close to rejecting the proposals again.
Cllr Laurie Fraser described the planned 155-bedroom Courtyard by Marriott hotel as “monolithic.”
