Inverness plan from Kirkwood Homes for 80 homes near Drumossie Hotel was rejected by Highland Council but firm is not giving up
An Aberdeen-shire based developer has reiterated a commitment to its planned multimillion-pound project to build 80 new homes in Inverness despite it being rejected by Highland Council officials.
Kirkwood Homes wanted to build on land near Drumossie Hotel, submitting its proposals in summer 2022.
It staged a public consultation, including in-person events, but planning officers used delegated powers to refuse the application because it was contrary to a local development plan, as well as various other guidelines.
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The council’s area planning manager David Mudie stated in the ruling “the unsuitable location, layout, design, materials, numbers of housing units and poor active travel and public transport connectivity is incompatible with the pattern of development and landscape character of this part of the city”.
He stated: “The applicant has not demonstrated that any material considerations could potentially support this departure from the development plan.”
Twenty of the 80 homes were set to be affordable.
An objector to the plan was Helen Louise Ross, who said she was an immediate neighbour of the proposed development. She pointed out earlier in the process: “There is no pedestrian access to the proposed housing development in any direction. This has significant implications for safety.”
Allan Rae, land director at Kirkwood Homes, said: “We are deeply disappointed with the Highland Council planning department’s decision to refuse our application under delegated powers for 80 much-needed new homes near Drumossie Hotel in Inverness. We would have valued the material merits of the proposal being discussed by members of the SPAC [south planning applications committee] rather than an officer’s delegated decision.
“Over the course of this application, we have worked diligently in liaison with council planners to address a range of technical issues, including the provision of a new footpath link to Milton of Leys from the site, which was designed to enhance safety, accessibility and connectivity of the site with surrounding facilities.
“This development would have delivered 80 much-needed homes, both affordable and private, to help address the ‘Highland Housing Challenge’. Additionally, it would have contributed to the region's economic growth, supporting jobs and local businesses during both construction and occupancy.
“We remain committed to delivering at the Drumossie site, and are currently considering our next steps”
