Highland Council’s tree preservation fears could thwart controversial plans to turn derelict former Inverness care home into a new children’s nursery
Concern over the loss of native trees threaten to block plans to turn a disused Inverness care home into a children’s nursery.
Developers want to transform the currently empty building and grounds at 7 Ballifeary Road into a daycare facility for pre-school children.
The plans by Wee Buttons Childcare have already provoked a row between residents living near the site and working parents who cite a severe shortage of childcare places.
The building has lain empty for five years since Elmgrove House nursing home was closed by court order for posing a “serious risk” to the well-being of 25 elderly residents.
The change of use application before Highland Council proposes turning the two-storey, traditional sandstone villa into a nursery and manager’s flat.
It would also feature an outdoor play area, a one-way traffic system for entrance and exit and increase in parking spaces from seven to 13.
Owners of nearby guesthouses have protested the move, fearing it would detract from the established character of the neighbourhood.
Concerns include increased traffic and noise, limited street parking and danger to pedestrians.
The applicants submitted a tree protection plan, but Highland Council’s forestry team are now challenging the proposal in a response to be considered by planning officials under their delegated powers.
The forestry team’s submission highlights the presence of mixed broadleaf and conifer trees, mainly in the landscaping area to the front of the building, semi-mature birch trees and an old yew tree next to the front wall.
There is also a significant amount of naturally regenerated birch at the site and some ash trees.
The team points to policies opposing development where it has “adverse impacts on native woodlands, hedgerows and individual trees of high biodiversity value”.
The submission states: “The applicant has now provided a tree survey and arboricultural impact assessment report.
“However, the layout has not improved and the retained greenspace area to the front actually looks narrower now than it did on the original site plan.”
There is also concern that five trees would need to be removed as plans stand, with the forestry team adding: “The tree proposals could be accepted if there is adequate replacement tree planting, as the trees to be removed are generally low quality or too close to the building.
“As it is, the tree protection plan proposes a very narrow strip of soil just three metres wide be retained for the yew tree … to accommodate the car parking.
“This clearly shows the parking is proposed too close to the tree.”
It concludes: “The proposals have not adequately demonstrated that they would not have an adverse impact on native individual trees of high biodiversity value (or) promote
significant protection to existing trees on the site.
“We therefore object to the application pending supply of further information.”
