Plans for a major upgrade of a sewage works bitterly opposed by residents in Ardersier have been delayed amid concerns about access and traffic disruption.
The issue dominated yesterday’s (TUES) south planning committee meeting in Inverness and will delay Scottish Water’s plans by at least a month.
It sought permission to install an ultraviolet treatment facility at the site as part of the upgrade to serve the immediate and surrounding communities, including Tornagrain.
A fierce local campaign has pressed the utility to site a treatment works closer to Tornagrain and its projected 10,000 population. But utility chiefs are adamant they upgrade the Ardersier plant.
Local councillor Kate Stephen understood that as a result of recent debate Scottish Water had “agreed to look at the Whiteness pump station” as an alternative facility.
Fellow ward councillor Roddy Balfour said: “To say the situation is volatile would, I think, underestimate the situation. I’ve never seen anything like this in 18 years as a councillor. People are not happy.”
Councillors voted 10-4 for a site visit before considering the application further.
A spokesman for Scottish Water said: “We’ve carefully considered the options to meet the area’s needs and it’s important to stress that the treatment works improvements and expansion will take place within our existing site, which is outside Ardersier.
“We’re continuing to listen and work with communities and stakeholders to ensure these improvements are carried out in a manner that minimises impact on the community and leaves a positive legacy.”