Traffic jam for new gym and café plan after Highland Council planners lodged an objection to the proposal
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A developer agreed to allow Highland Council planners an extension to the deadline for deciding on his company’s application for a gym and café in Inverness, but was then stunned when council traffic planners lodged an objection.
The development is proposed for vacant ground in Longman Drive beside New Century House, the former Inverness Courier office.
The transport planners objected because the site is remote from public transport networks, does not support the concept of 20-minute neighbourhoods and will lead to an increase in private vehicles, all of which will oppose the current policies for decarbonising transport.
At the same time parking bays for 33 cars and four large vehicles, plus cycle parking meet with council guidance and are therefore acceptable, say the traffic planners.
Property investment and development firm Ark Estates has applied to create an “attractive commercial opportunity” on the site.
The “20-minute neighbourhoods” are areas where residents can meet their day-to-day needs within 20 minutes from home by safe walking and cycling routes, or by public transport.
A further objection is the proposal to divert the well-used cycle and walking route to and from the Black Isle via the Kessock Bridge.
Regarding the cycle path, the objection states: “The transport planning team do not support the proposed re-routing of the National Cycle Network as the proposed route is circuitous and does not follow the principles outlined in the updated Cycling by Design for a coherent, comfortable and direct route.”
The café would offer inside and outside seating areas with views across the Beauly Firth.
The building would feature solar panels in what is described as an “energy efficient development using reclaimed materials”.
A design statement by Trail Architects suggested there was demand for this kind of development in the area.
It said: “The area has a perceived lack of eateries and wellbeing offerings for those working in the area.”
Ark Estates managing director Willie Gray said: “We thought everything was going forward smoothly.
“We were then asked if we would agree to extend the decision deadline to January 23, and in the spirit of co-operation agreed to this. I was stunned to then get this objection.
“There are many who work in the surrounding Longman who could use the facilities without driving.
“Regarding the cycle path, our proposal simply returns the route to what it was originally, on a tarmac lane running beside New Century House.”
He added: “We look forward to gaining consent and delivering this exciting leisure development as a great addition to existing businesses of a similar nature in the Longman.
“A gym like this can play its part in improving the health of people working in the vicinity, providing a meeting point for the local business community.”
