Objection from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) over proposed hotel in Inverness’s Academy Street on the site of the Ironworks venue is withdrawn
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Plans for a new city centre hotel have been given a boost after an objection against the proposals was withdrawn.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) had raised concerns about drainage related to the proposed new hotel in Inverness’s Academy Street, at the site of the Ironworks venue.
Allan Davidson, chief operating officer of applicant Bricks Hotels, said:”We are now more optimistic of our application for a Courtyard by Marriott Hotel being successful at next month’s south planning committee.
“SEPA is now fully satisfied with our drainage reports and has withdrawn its objection, which is another step forward.
“And Historic Environment Scotland, whose objection was the key stumbling block to our previous application, has confirmed they have no objection this time. There is now no national statutory consultee opposing our plan.
“We’ve also received a positive response from the council’s Design Review Panel, who recognised that we’ve listened and adjusted our design to address points they raised.
“These factors combine to move the project massively forward and give grounds to be highly optimistic for a successful outcome.”
Inverness firm CRGP Architects was engaged by Bricks following the rejection of its previous application as the firm has specific experience in designing for builds in local conservation areas.
Following feedback received from the Inverness Design Review Panel the plans were altered to make the frontage of the proposed hotel significantly lower than it had been, with a stepped gabling aiming to preserve views of the city’s historic spires.
A glass pedestrian link is also proposed for the second half of the building in Rose Street.
CRGP director Bryan McFadzean said: “What we have now is an Inverness solution to a multi-edged, complicated Inverness site.
“Our frontage will be the same height and stone materials as the MacGregors Bar building across the road and the proximity to the Chapel Street conservation area has been addressed.”
