Residents of Inverness community ‘up in arms’ about a proposed housing development that could impact Great Glen Way
Residents of an Inverness community are ‘up in arms’ about a proposed housing development.
Robertson Homes has submitted plans to the Highland Council to build 380 residential properties in Westercraigs, on land south of Kirkhill Brae.
Local residents of Golf View Terrace, Millerton View, Millerton Avenue, Mile End Place, Stornoway Drive and Dunvegan Place have come together to say that there will be a loss of green space, flooding concerns, increased traffic and disruption to the Great Glen Way if the plans go ahead.
More recently, a bus gate has been added to the plans, which will see the Great Glen Way infringed on - something the community is particularly against.
Local resident Morris Watt said: “Our community council is dead against the plans.
“Where they want to put the bus gate will be an aquaduct for flooding.
“We aren’t against the housing, it’s acceptable. It’s the bus gate that is unacceptable.”
It was first thought that Robertson Homes was the one to suggest the bus gate, however, it has now come to light that this was suggested by a member of planning at Highland Council.
Mark Pole, secretary of Inverness West Community Council (IWCC), said: “Residents sought IWCC's support in raising objections to this development. Unfortunately, the Reporter disregarded our concerns about over intensification.
“However, it appears that Robertsons were more successful and the Reporter chose to increase the number of residences on these two sites from 290 to an ‘indicative’ 350. Robertsons have now applied to build an even greater quantity of 380 units.
“Although these plans have been on the table for decades, residents told us that Robertsons had previously assured them that the steepest part of the site was not designated for build and that it would be retained as green space.
“Now they seek to build a far greater number of properties and intend only to retain ‘green corridors’. This will result in the loss of the last immediately accessible green space in the area.
“We felt the residents were justified in their objections and offered guidance on how to object. We also entered a detailed objection on their behalf. In fairness, it's now clear that some of our grounds for objection, such as the flawed consultation, were inaccurate. It has emerged that Highland Council suppressed the consultation notes, albeit perhaps unintentionally, and that Robertsons added the proposed - and very contentious - bus gate in response to a post-consultation request from Highland Council.
“We do not believe that paving the Great Glen Way either preserves or enhances it.
“We consider that 380 residences is far too many and that even the originally proposed 290 would create significant pressure on the roads infrastructure.
“The existing facilities are far too few; the transfer of the land for a retail unit and community hub, which should have been delivered as early as 2021, has only just been agreed. Medical and dental facilities are wholly inadequate. There is serious concern about school capacities too.
“It seems reasonable to assume that 380 residences might easily lead to another 600 or more cars. At present the only vehicular access is via Kirkwall Brae onto Leachkin Road. Any of the current residents will tell you that the junction is a mess even with existing traffic volumes.”
The loss of green space is of concern to the residents in the area. The Inverness Courier was able to speak to a dog walker in the area, using the field which is set to be developed on.
They said: “So many dog walkers come here two or three times a day, so when we heard the news about it being developed we were all very upset.
“It’s nice and calming for everyone as it’s the only green space in the area. It will be sad to see it go if it goes ahead.”
A spokesperson for Robertson Homes said: “During the consultation period, in relation to our planning application for a development at Westercraigs, it was requested by Highland Council Transport Planning that a proposed gated bus lane be incorporated. There have been no decisions taken in regard to a planning recommendation and if a bus lane will be supported.
“We strongly refute the allegation that clandestine dialogue has taken place between ourselves and the Highland Council and confirm all public consultation has been carried out with the local community in line with planning regulations.
“Should planning be granted and a gated bus lane approved, it will be in the best interests of everyone that any development in and around Great Glen Way be undertaken sympathetically with the intention of protecting and enhancing the trail.”
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The application is still live and is going through the planning process. We are unable to provide any further details or timescales at this stage other than what is on the eplanning website at https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/”