HIGHLAND Council has been urged to emulate the great European capitals and ensure its controversial new Caledonian Canal crossing becomes a national landmark.
Members of the local authority have been challenged to look to Paris and London for inspiration for a bridge and control tower which will form part of the Inverness West Link road.
The western gateway to the city at Tomnahurich is considered such a key location that the national waterways agency has even urged the council to run a design competition for the new structure.
Scottish Canals said that high quality plans were “critical” to making the most of stunning scenery on the outskirts of the city. Highland Council said last night that there were no current proposals to run a competition.
A design included in the council’s planning application shows the new swing bridge looking very similar to the existing one which carries the A82 at Tomnahurich.
However, the competition idea has already won support from one vocal critic of the West Link scheme. John West, of Inverness Civic Trust, said: “The bridge which we anticipate from the council is a utility job.
“When you look at cities like London or Paris, their bridges are real attractions. This should be an opportunity for Inverness.”
Chris Breslin, of Scottish Canals, said that with the swing bridge not due to be built until 2019, there was ample time to run a competition. He said: “The design of both the bridge and control tower is included within the current planning application and, while these may be seen as acceptable designs, Scottish Canals feel that we could raise the quality of the design of these elements to help celebrate this unique location.”
Councillor Ken Gowans said there were pros and cons to a competition.
He said that while interesting designs would be produced, ensuring there was a set budget was more difficult.
The council has chosen option 6 from an original list of more than 10 for completing the link road, despite opposition. It involves a new road bridge over the River Ness, and the canal being crossed using the existing swing bridge and the new swing bridge, synchronised from the control tower to prevent long traffic delays when boats are passing.
Opponents have been campaigning for a single bridge or tunnel crossing both the river and canal.
Meanwhile, sportscotland is calling for “clarity” over council plans to replace sports facilities which will be lost because of the new route.
The agency, which provides funding for new facilities, has raised concerns about a reduction in area around the canal-side rugby pitches, and about the loss of part of Torvean Golf Course and the impact on Inverness Rowing Club.
A spokesman said: “Sportscotland assess each planning application against our guidelines and national policy, responding accordingly to ensure that provision is enhanced through quality, modern facilities which increase usage capacity. We will be meeting with Highland Council and various sports clubs in the near future with a view to finding a resolution.”
A council spokesman said last night that an application for the enhanced sports facilities would be lodged by the end of the week.
It will include proposals for a sports centre at Torvean, the relocation of Torvean Golf Course, an extension to Kilvean Cemetery and the creation of parkland adjacent to the centre.
It is understood that the planning application for the West Link could be discussed by the south planning committee as early as April.