St Andrew's Cathedral in Inverness given Highland Council approval for coffee kiosk plan in grounds
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A coffee kiosk with outdoor seating will be built in the grounds of St Andrew’s Cathedral after planning concerns were allayed.
Highland Council planners sought guarantees that mature lime and cherry trees would be protected at the Inverness landmark after concerns raised by forestry officers.
They have also demanded assurances that new signs and information boards to be installed on the lawns will be sensitive to the cathedral’s character and carefully dug so as not damage roots.
The applicants have now produced a tree survey with detailed plans to protect trees and minimise compaction of soil below the lawns, which can also harm roots. Officials approved the application subject to five conditions, with trees protected during construction.
Details of signs and information boards will also have to be pre-approved by council officials, along with kiosk lighting and wheelchair access to the decking area.
The site is situated within the Inverness Riverside Conservation Area.
To protect tree roots, the survey proposes building the kiosk using swift plinths or mini piles.
Work would also be carried out to minimise compaction of grassy areas to keep soils and roots healthy.
