Inverness taproom plan by Dog Falls Brewery wins further public backing despite objections from residents
Plans by an Inverness craft brewery to open a new taproom in the city centre have won further support from the general public - despite strong objections from several nearby residents and a housing association.
Dog Falls is wanting to open the taproom on the site of the former Semichem store at 23 Queensgate.
Despite the presence of other licensed premises nearby, the moves have prompted a mixed reaction so far.
As well as objections from numerous residents living in the same block and same street over possible increases in noise and anti-social behaviour, Cairn Housing Association has also raised concerns.
Dozens of comments from the public have now been submitted to Highland Council as part of the planning process.
Around two-thirds of those are now in favour, after numerous recent submissions took the total backing the plans to 23, with 11 opposed.
Among the most recent submissions were Hilton’s John Donaldson, who described the taproom plan as “an excellent addition to the nightlife scene of Inverness”, while Karen Lindsay, from Slackbuie, said it would “be great to see an independent and local brewery here in Inverness to provide a different kind of space for locals and an interesting tourist spot”, adding that it would “help transform the empty and forgotten spaces” of the city centre.
Adam Fairbairn, from Culloden, meanwhile said “Dog Falls is a fantastic microbrewery. I would love to see producers of high quality, local products like this company produces supported and given a chance further develop their brand and have a place in the city centre, which would otherwise be empty is exactly what we need to see more of.
“My understanding of the venture is that it would be a quiet bar, with limited tables and a focus on the experience and flavours, unlike many of the places that currently exist in the city,” he added.
Ross Mackay, from Slackbuie, described the proposal as a “welcome addition to Inverness”, and continued: “This small, local business would breath new life into a unit that had been sitting empty for two years.
“There seems to be no live entertainment planned, so it's perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, peaceful spot to enjoy a drink. It's great to see this kind of venue looking to open in the heart of Inverness, adding to the local community while providing a calm retreat in the city.
“Dog Falls is the first brewery in Inverness since the 1980s and for them to be able to trade in the city centre, is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what they are all about.”
And Vanille Goguet, from the Crown area of the city, said: “Inverness city centre is in desperate need of local businesses like this taproom, too many units in town have been empty for a few years now for various reasons, and it would be a shame to prevent local businesses from opening solely based on assumptions.
“A taproom is a very different thing from a chain pub and would attract a very different crowd, there won't be any live music and with it being such a small place, it won't be able to welcom large groups of people at once.
“Queensgate may have residential buildings, but it is not a ‘residential area’ like a previous comment suggested, it is at the heart of Inverness city centre and already counts a couple of pubs amongst other businesses.” They added: “Living in the city centre on a busy street comes with the understanding that there may be noise at all hours.”
Despite these comments in favour, there are local concerns. Many of the comments in favour are from residents who live away from Queensgate, while numerous objections have been submitted by people who live in that street and would have the taproom as a neighbour.
Cairn Housing Association, which owns a property in the residential block above the former Semichem, has also already expressed concerns that changing the use of number 23 Queensgate into a taproom will "adversely affect our tenants and the other residents within the location".
Speaking recently, Louise Cook, commercial manager at Cairn Housing Association, warned that public houses "by nature.. increase noise and disturbance within their locations" and also stressed that it was also close to the communal entrance to the residential properties, adding: "it is not uncommon for urinating, vomiting and misuse of communal entry systems when there are such establishments within the vicinity".
She also cited increased insurance premiums and devaluation of their property, and stressed that there are other vacant units in the city centre "which are not neighboured by residential properties" that would be more suitable.
The responses led to Dog Falls owner Robert Masson vowing that they are "determined to be a good neighbour to residents and other businesses". He stressed that activities of the taproom would mainly take place during the day, and would focus on tasting sessions and tours and training hospitality, and that this would make the taproom much quieter than typical licensed businesses.
And he extended an open invitation to neighbours to meet with him to "hopefully ally their concerns" and take mitigating measures.
“I completely understand why residents may be concerned if they look at the change of use to the broad 'public house' planning category, but it's really important to note that we have no intention of operating a typical pub or bar at these premises. Unfortunately, there is no planning category for 'Brewery Tap Room'."
The planning application will be decided by Highland Council at a future date.
• Find out more about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.
