Councillors approve a planning application from Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust for a new leisure facility near Loch Ness
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Councillors have given their backing to a proposed leisure facility near Loch Ness.
Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust has applied for planning permission in principle for the development – it is proposed that it includes a multi-use games area (MUGA), sports and play areas, a car park, a community hall and gym.
Members of Highland Council’s south planning applications committee discussed the bid at a meeting on Tuesday.
The site is on land 100m north west of Linden, Gray’s Park, Foyers, and officers had recommended that members granted permission subject to a number of conditions.
Members heard that the purpose of the application was to grant permission for a masterplan, car park and associated drainage with more detailed applications to follow in the future.
Keith Gibson, from the council’s planning and environment department, said that as well as the MUGA it could also include a running track, outdoor table tennis and a climbing wall.
He said it was 145m from the shore of the loch, adding: “It’s not likely to be visible from Loch Ness.”
Mr Gibson said that detailed assessments on noise and light pollution would need to be submitted as part of future applications.
Councillor Margaret Davidson (Aird and Loch Ness, Independent) said Foyers had no leisure facilities, except for two play parks, adding: “There are no outdoor places where people can gather except for outside the tea room.”
She said she was very much in favour of the plan and what was needed had to be decided by local residents.
Cllr Davidson said she knew the local community, adding: “They do need leisure facilities that are not 20-30 miles away. This is a good development and the details will follow.”
