Officials back two plans for new housing on greenspace near the Caledonian Canal but only one of them sparked the ire of residents
Two significant housing projects on opposite sides of the Caledonian Canal have been recommended for planning approval by Highland Council – the same body bringing the projects forward on two greenfield sites in Inverness.
The larger of the developments consists of 118 affordable homes on the former Torvean Golf Course and the second more controversial one is for eight bungalows on what is currently a football pitch in St Valery Avenue.
Residents are up in arms over the plans for the eight bungalows which first emerged in March as 10 homes before being reduced by two with objections over the loss of the green space and lack of facilities.
The plan is for eight semi-detached bungalows to the rear of St Valery Avenue in Dalneigh with the site taking up “approximately half of the area of open space which is laid to grass” – that is what residents object to.
One local, Janet Russell, said: “I strongly oppose the construction of houses in St Valery Avenue. This area serves as a vital green space for our children's play and the enjoyment of residents.
“The prospect of new houses infringing on our privacy, as experienced by some neighbours with the previous development, is unacceptable. It's imperative to preserve this green space and maintain the privacy and quality of life for all residents in the area.”
Another, Tabitha Ramsden, put the case against as: “Dalneigh has NO services. No doctors, no post office, no dentist, little in the way of shops, and ONE oversubscribed school. It is over-populated and under-provided for.”
And Alana MacDonald said: “We were assured there would be no buildings erected in the field. People walk their dogs, children play there, the access road will be right outside the back garden and I think building there would incur more traffic than we already have.”
Sport Scotland appeared to have some reservations and requested further information on the basis that “the presence of a set of goal posts, it appears that the site is used as an informal sports pitch”.
The council would have to demonstrate the pitch would not be affected by the development or be replaced elsewhere and that the overall playing capacity would be maintained.
The council’s south area planning manager Jennifer Mair said: “While the proposal will result in the reduction of the sports facility, it will not result in its loss.
“The applicant intends on providing a new singular set of goalposts within the adjacent greenspace to the south-east, which is protected from development, thus mitigating the loss of the existing set. This can be controlled by condition.”
Whereas the development for 118 homes on the former Torvean golf course appears not to disturb anyone - with the possible exception of Scottish Water which had submitted but later withdrew its objection.
That effectively gives the green light pending the rubberstamp of approval from councillors on the south planning application committee for the homes to go ahead along General Booth Road.
This proposal includes the usual landscaping, drainage and other ancillary works that go with large residential developments with a wide range of housing to be built.
It includes nine three-bedroom cottage flats, 30 two-bedroom cottage flats; six one-bedroom cottage flats; 28 two-bedroom houses; 39 three-bedroom houses; three four-bedroom houses and finally three five-bedroom houses.
The major sticking point has been the risk of flooding in one part of the development but that appears to have been dealt with after the council’s own flood team raised issues with it.
The team stated: “The Flood Risk Management Team has reviewed the information provided by the applicant and we withdraw our objection to the application subject to relevant conditions being included.”
Earlier, the flood team pointed out the proposed houses in the western part of the development are on a raised area with lower ground around it, and flooding from the Torvean drain was predicted - including the access from General Booth Road.
But "it is anticipated that emergency vehicles would be able to access the site and safe dry pedestrian access would be available along a raised area of ground to the east. A formal footpath will need to be provided to ensure that it is available for all abilities.”
It added: "We will review this again once the additional information is provided" - leading to it withdrawing its concerns.
The council’s south area planning manager David Mudie said: “The proposal will bring forward much-needed affordable housing for Inverness.”
Councillors will determine both applications next Tuesday.
