Bid to renew planning permission for a marina and almost 2000 homes at the Port of Ardersier but the developer has not ruled out returning the former McDermott yard to industrial use
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The massive redevelopment of the Port of Ardersier into a marina with almost 2000 homes is back on the cards after a bid to renew planning permission was submitted.
Highland Council originally consented to the plans in 2007 and they were due to expire, but now the Ardersier Port Ltd wants to keep the permission active, with it being ruled on today by a planning committee.
The illustrative masterplan indicates that the site of the former fabrication yard at Whiteness will get 1950 homes and a primary school, community hall and health centre.
Along the shore there will be a promenade, with shops and restaurants, a hotel and health club and of course a marina with enough space for 400-500 moorings and a yacht club.
Though the developers have already renewed planning for the industrial use of the site, they also want to maintain the principle of developing the port for residential and leisure uses.
Previously, the application has prompted an objection from Scottish Natural Heritage – now called NatureScot – claiming the development could have a significant impact on bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth.
Though still concerned, NatureScot does not object so long as Highland Council conducts an appropriate assessment combined with a robust and enforceable access management plan and vessel movement plan, secured by legal agreement, and underpinned by bye-laws.
SEPA says the area could be at long-term future flood risk and significant adverse effects have also been found in relation to the dolphins of the Moray Firth and seals of the Dornoch Firth.
The council’s area planning manager south David Mudie has recommended approval for the plans despite them being “a finely balanced decision.”
But, Mr Mudie said these issues could be resolved through enforceable access and marine management plans.
“It could have a significant role in developing the A96 corridor and serve the Inner Moray Firth housing market area,” he said.
“If successful, the proposal would bring substantial economic and employment benefits to the immediate area.”
The planning in principle application will be decided later today at the south planning applications committee.
Related Story – Ardersier's former McDermott Yard soon to be Europe's leading decommissioning and wind power facility, new owners claim
