Potential Inverness housing sites revealed in revised planning blueprint for Inner Moray Firth
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
INVERNESS Prison and the council yard at Diriebught are two areas near the city centre that could be used for housing according to a revised planning blueprint for the Inner Moray Firth.
The Porterfield Prison site, which will be redundant when the new prison is built near Inverness Shopping Park, has potential for 30 homes, and 70 might be built in the yard where Highland Council TEC (transport, environmental and community) services vehicles and staff are based.
Parts of Inverness Prison, set among housing near the city centre, are architecturally protected.
It is understood the Diriebught proposal is causing concern locally because access to the new homes could be through part of Fraser Park, near the Highland Cricket Club pavilion, then to MacEwen Drive.
Fiona MacBeath, chairwoman of Crown and City Centre Community Council, said: “My concern would be the number of houses proposed at Diriebught, and the access could be a problem.
“Diriebught Road is very narrow, and at times it is overflowing with school pupils attending Millburn Academy nearby.
“I would urge the public to have a look at this revised plan and let Highland Council know their views because I am sure many will not know about some of the changes being suggested.”
A Highland Council spokesman said: “The council has launched a public consultation on future development and priorities for communities across the Inner Moray Firth. The Inner Moray Firth Proposed Local Development Plan – covering Nairnshire, Inverness district and the eastern part of Ross and Cromarty – is open for comment at www.highland.gov.uk/imf
“Those living very close to a potential development site will receive a letter explaining how the plan may affect them.
“Comments can be made until June 17. Further information can be found at www.highland.gov.uk/imf including easy-watch videos explaining the plan and how to get involved.
“Anyone who is unable to access the internet, should contact the development plans team on 01349 886608 to discuss alternative ways of accessing the plan and making comment.”
