People opposed to new Inverness hotel “distracted” by coronavirus pandemic, objector claims
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An objector to plans for a new seven-storey hotel on the site of the Ironworks in Inverness city centre believes coronavirus may have distracted others from lodging their own objections.
Legal firm Wright, Johnston and Mackenzie have lodged a formal objection to the proposal on behalf of its client who has a variety of city centre interests, but is unnamed.
A solicitor’s letter states: “The loss of the Ironworks venue has caused considerable concern among a large number of individuals and while commercial decisions are not a planning matter, its loss does have implications for the vitality and viability of the city centre and should be taken into account due to the high number of objections.
“The extensive local outcry against the proposal resulted in considerable press and online objections, with over 7000 signatories on two leading petition websites.
“These objections should be taken into account even if these large numbers of the public have not followed the planning department’s formal objection protocol, which may be due to people being understandably distracted by the current Covid-19 pandemic.”
The objector insists the proposal goes against development plans for the area and claims it is in conflict with national planning policy and guidance.
The letter goes on: “It proposes a development of a scale, mass and design which does not enhance or preserve the character of the conservation area and it undermines the council’s stated objectives of enhancing the city centre in this area.
“The proposal bears no resemblance to buildings it juxtaposes and pays little heed to the visual character and historic setting of the city centre in which it is located.
“The impact on the local traffic network, lack of parking and the failure to assess and consider the combined impact on the network of this hotel when measured against existing and permitted developments has underestimated the true impact on the city.”
The objector is also concerned that if the 162-bedroom Courtyard by Marriott Hotel goes ahead, it will be one of three Marriott hotels in the area, as one is planned for a vacant Glebe Street site and another is already open at Inverness Airport.
The letter adds: “This proposed third hotel for the Marriott chain in Inverness could lead to an oversupply from the single brand and give them a dominance to the detriment of existing independent hotels.”
Other concerns have been raised by Historic Environment Scotland and Fortrose resident Morag Macdonald, with the latter lodging an objection.
The hotel proposed by Bricks Group will cater for up to 100,000 guests a year and include a 24-hour gym.
It will create 90 construction jobs and 65 permanent jobs afterwards. Last month Allan Davidson, managing director of Bricks Capital, said the company remained committed to the project.
“Despite the present economic difficulties caused by the coronavirus lockdown, our funds are in place to make the investment and we will not seek to defer or delay it,” he said at the time.
“We look forward to seeking the necessary consent for a project which we think would be a major economic boost for the city centre as well as for the council’s plans to regenerate Academy Street.
“We have previously committed to give the Ironworks promoter up to 12 months to relocate to a new music venue in Inverness, so our entry to begin construction is dependent on how soon that relocation can take place.”
