Members of Highland Council’s south planning committee have given their approval to 12 new homes in Drakies.
The application from Springfield Properties had attracted 34 local objections due to a proposed footpath linking to the city’s Culcabock Avenue.
However, the developer dropped the proposals, leading councillors to grant planning permission for the Drakies application.
No footpath on congested street
In its original plans, Springfield hoped to create a footpath along the western boundary of the Drakies housing development.
This would have achieved a complete active travel link between Thistle Road and Old Perth Road via Culcabock Avenue.
However, the plan proved controversial with locals. Residents said Culcabock Avenue is already extremely narrow and congested, and extra footfall would only make it worse.
Culcabock and Drakies community council agreed. They said they would object to any plan that included the narrow avenue, fearing it would increase noise and vandalism in the area.
They also raised road safety concerns and the high traffic volume at nearby Old Perth Road.
Instead, locals want Springfield to consider cutting a footpath through grounds at Drakies House. Highland Council planners say this could be an option, but no work could go ahead until it had clarity over the sale of the land there.
Local member seeks guarantees
Local councillor Isabelle MacKenzie raised questions about proposals for drainage at the site, highlighting recent flooding at Old Perth Road.
A detailed plan for surface drainage is due to come before committee in a separate application.
Ms MacKenzie also asked if Springfield would repair any damage to the road surface, which she said was already in a poor state of repair. Council planners clarified that the road would be adopted by Highland Council, who would take responsibility for its maintenance.
Finally, Ms Mackenzie moved on to the pivotal issue: Culcabock Avenue. Referring to residents’ “huge concern regarding traffic flow and congestion”, she asked Highland Council to “future proof” its decision, so that the footpath proposal doesn’t come up again.
Planners confirmed this could be written into the conditions of planning consent.
The application includes plans to replace the fence and gate at the bottom of Culcabock Avenue. Ms MacKenzie urged planners to ensure these are designed to discourage people from climbing over them.
With that, members granted planning permission for the 12 new Drakies homes.
Springfield welcomes Inverness Drakies decision
Dave Main, Springfield Properties Managing Director (North), said:
“We’re pleased our phase of 12 homes at Drakies in Inverness has been unanimously approved by Highland Council. There is an undersupply of housing in Scotland, and we’re pleased to be able to deliver high quality and energy efficient homes for people looking to buy in Inverness.
“Homes within our first phase at Drakies are already on sale and proving popular with construction now underway. Planning for this phase is welcome news and will support a number of local trades and suppliers.”
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