Historic site fears over Inverness office plans
A PLANNING application to construct offices adjacent to the remains of an ancient prehistoric site in Inverness have been recommended for approval by Highland Council officials, despite objections by locals.
Manda Construction is seeking permission to build a new office block close to the Slackbuie Avenue roundabout.
Residents and Lochardil and Drummond Community Council have raised concerns about the potential for increased traffic in the area and the risk posed to the ancient site, which dates back to 2500BC and is a designated scheduled monument.
Community council chairwoman Dr Maria de la Torre said the area already suffered from congestion.
“We have concerns about the safety of the access and the impact on the residential area,” she said.
She added: “While there has been some revision to avoid the scheduled monument, we remain concerned that the type of development proposed is not compatible with a scheduled monument of national importance.”
Despite this feedback and five other objections by local residents, council officers have recommended approving the project.
