Plans for revamped rugby pitches as part of £55m Inverness West Link approved
PLANS for the major revamp of rugby pitches at Canal Park as part of the controversial £55m Inverness West Link road have been approved by councillors.
The proposals, which include a new clubhouse, all-weather rugby pitch and the relocation and regrading of two grass pitches, were approved by the south planning applications committee today.
Councillors also approved associated landscaping and a large car park.
Chair of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Audrey Sinclair said: “The major enhancement to the pitch, clubhouse and changing facilities will be a valuable asset for the wider community of Inverness.
"The synthetic pitch will provide an excellent new surface for rugby, with the added bonus of being available for community use for sports such as football, shinty, hockey and American football.”
The plans, and wider West Link project have proven highly controversial, with campaigners arguing that the pictureasque area would be blighted by the planned road, which will link the southern distributor road east of the River Ness to the A82 west of the river.
Opponents have long called for the plans to take alternate routes, with some calling for a high level river crossing or tunnel in a bid to protect the area from over-development.
