Revised plans for a distinctive glass-fronted brewery in Inverness have been submitted, six months after initial proposals were unanimously rejected by city councillors.
Jon and Victoria Erasmus, who last year invested £1.5million in Glen Mhor Hotel on the banks of the River Ness, are confident the revamp addresses all concerns about traffic issues and the scale of the proposed project.
The couple intend to demolish a bar to incorporate the micro brewery as part of the Victorian-built hotel.
Council planning officials had recommended approval of the first application.
There were four objections from members of the public on grounds of traffic safety fears, noise and odour nuisance and loss of river views.
There was support from other residents, the development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the city’s chamber of commerce.
Mr Erasmus launched a scathing attack at the time, branding councillors “ignorant” and “arrogant”. Members feared the project would exacerbate parking and traffic problems.
The family subsequently hired consultants to review the original blueprint with a strong focus on traffic, parking and deliveries.
Allied with council plans to open the nearby Inverness Castle’s north tower as a tourist attraction, the applicants hope evidence of a “growing thirst for enterprise in the city” will favour the fresh bid.
Mr Erasmus said: “Given the overwhelming support we received, we felt the rejection and reasons behind it sent out the wrong message to those who have the investment potential and creative vision to help transform Inverness.
“This is an exciting time for the city and we have been hugely encouraged by the plans to open up the castle, just along the road, for tourists and locals.
“We hope local councillors are able to take an enlightened view on the basis of the new information provided and do not act as a barrier to a high quality development that will create 12 jobs and give visitors another reason to stay longer in the city.”
The proposed venture is for a brewing plant producing craft beer for local and export markets along with a restaurant, art gallery and retail area.
The Erasmus family took over the Alexander and Brae Ness hotels last year and added a four-bedroom property – the River House – to create new self-catering accommodation.
Guest room numbers at the Glen Mhor increased from 51 to 81. The expansion created six jobs.