A traffic expert was questioned at length yesterday at the start of an inquiry into plans for a new retail park at Dell of Inshes in Inverness.
The planning hearing at the Kingsmills Hotel, under Scottish Government-appointed reporter Robert Maslin, follows an appeal by the developer Corran Properties.
Its proposals for planning in principal for a 50,000sq ft retail development were rejected by Highland Council earlier this year on the grounds that the planning application failed to cater for adequate local road improvements and that the development would exacerbate congestion.
The plan, involving new shopping outlets between Tesco at Inshes and the A9, was first lodged in 2013.
Council officials refused the application on the basis that it would contravene the local development plan and design brief for the Inshes area, and fail to provide vital road upgrades.
Council planning officer Nicola Drummond had pointed to significant changes required to the Culloden Road bridge over the A9.
Opening inquiry witness, Craig Latto of engineering consultancy Arup, was questioned initially by QC James Findlay, representing the developer, who referred to criticism the council had made of the expert’s traffic assessment for the project.
Mr Latto denied failing to take into account the full extent of University of the Highlands and Islands traffic in a 2013-14 report he prepared.
He also produced evidence showing that, under an agreement with council transport officers, it was his understanding that he was only expected to provide a “certain element” of such data.
Mr Latto showed the reporter an email from council officer John Danby to that effect.
Evidence was also shown to the reporter that Mr Latto had subsequently updated his traffic assessment.
A number of residents in the area objected to the proposed development fearing the loss of green space as well as additional traffic.
The inquiry continues today and is expected to end tomorrow.
All parties involved in the hearing will have the opportunity to submit written submissions to the reporter who will make his ruling at a future date.