Historic watchdog to sink canal plan in Inverness?
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AN ambitious project to develop part of the Caledonian Canal next to Muirtown Basin has hit a snag because of the waterway’s huge national, historic and cultural importance.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) fears that a new cafe, storage units and possible base for the sea cadets would be a blight on the canal’s unique ambience.
It has told Scottish Canals that the waterway is a scheduled monument and any development would require HES approval.
The Caledonian Canal, completed in1822 remains the biggest ever civil engineering project in the Highlands.
Scottish Canals wants to develop a Carse Hub.
The main part would be built in Carsegate Road and consist of offices/multi-purpose community building and workshop.
A footbridge would link it to the new cafe building which will include showers, toilets and laundry facilities for boat users.
Scottish Canals applied to Highland Council for the entire plan, but the application has been amended now to be considered in two phases, the first being in Carsegate Road.
The canalside café and other parts of the scheme comes under the scope of HES and they object unless Scottish Canals can persuade them otherwise.
HES said: “Development of the canal-side elements would be likely to have a significant adverse impact on the scheduled monument and its cultural significance.
“No case has been made for exceptional circumstances and we see no evidence that the development would deliver public benefits to justify the proposed development.”
A Scottish Canals spokeswoman said that the Muirtown-South Kessock community were overwhelmingly in favour of the proposed development.
She added: “Phase one is fully funded and we hope to start on site once a decision is granted.
“The second phase for the waterside building, is expected to be submitted for planning by end of July after further consultation with HES and Highland Council. This phase is still to achieve full funding.”
A council spokesman said: “Scottish Canals has not presented sufficient information to satisfy HES on phase two.
“It will be subject of a further separate planning application and further discussion between Scottish Canals and HES.”
Inverness boating enthusiast David Edes has objected to the plans in their present form mostly on traffic grounds, shortage of car parking and potential for noise next to residential berths.
Mr Edes would support the plans if the concerns were addressed, especially as the sea scouts need new premises.
