Inverness allotments project reaches significant milestone as planning application lodged with Highland Council
A long-held vision to create a community growing space in an expanding Inverness neighbourhood has reached a significant milestone.
After eight years of planning, Knocknagael Green Hub - a community not-for-profit organisation - has submitted an application to change former agricultural land into 145 allotment plots plus other growing areas.
The 1.9 hectare site, known locally as Smiddy Field, is located on part of the former Scottish Government Knocknagael Bull Stud facility on the city’s southern outskirts.
• Turning a green vision into reality
• Momentous decision as land earmarked for housing to become green hub
• Ambitious Knocknagael asset transfer in the balance after review
The application also includes a polytunnel, picnic tables/community space, composting toilets, storage units and other infrastructure such as parking, drainage and an access road at the site which is located just off the city's Southern Distributor Road close to the Essich Roundabout at Holm.
A design statement accompanying the application states: “It will be managed by the Knocknagael Green Hub, a community charity organisation, who are responding to the increasing demand by individuals for allotment space and facilities in which to grow produce.
“This proposal will make a positive contribution to meet that demand and provide a community facility within an area of established and expanding residential development.”
It has been a challenging journey for the Knocknagael campaigners who have put in hundreds of voluntary hours to reach this stage.
It has involved protracted and complex negotiations in pursuit of a community asset transfer of the land, approaches to Scottish Ministers on the best way forward and discussions with potential funders including the Scottish Land Fund.
Although the application has yet to be determined by Highland Council, campaigners remain optimistic that the project is nearer to becoming a reality.
Group chairperson Maria de la Torre said that in recent months the group has been working with architects on the design of the allotments and has been supported by UK and Highland Council community regeneration funding for which it was grateful.
It has also consulted the commununity.
“We are still completing the transfer with our solicitors,” she said.
“But it is a significant milestone in terms of the journey to be able to have the application validated and out for consultation.
“Hopefully, we will get a lot of public support.
“That will certainly make it a lot easier to move to the next stage.”
She said the group was also in a good position to raise the £300,000 needed to bring the project to fruition in phases.
The aim is to provide a welcoming facility with the opportunity to provide and manage workshops and educational activities associated with the operation of the allotments.
The charity now has more than 100 members - an indication of public support.
“People really appreciate having a green space close by,” Maria said.
“A lot of it will be for community use and groups.
“There will be open spaces. One of the things highlighted in the application is that there will be areas of meadow and hedges.
“It should be a green space for people to enjoy.
“In the feedback, a lot of people felt there is a lot of development happening in this part of the city/
“Part of this project is about creating a sense of community and bringing people together.”
She also highlighted the physical and mental health benefits, saying that being in the outdoors and engaging in something useful helped to keep people active and was good for wellbeing.
“Certainly, that is a big motivation in the project - to try to bring these benefits to people in Inverness,” she said.
Details of the planning application can be found via Highland Council’s website using the planning reference number 25/01985/FUL.
You can also find out more about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.
