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Man wins 13-year campaign to build coffee shop on banks of River Ness

Angus Macdonald has won his bid to build the small coffee shop
Angus Macdonald has won his bid to build the small coffee shop

A North businessman has won his 13-year battle to build a small coffee kiosk on the banks of the River Ness.

The Scottish Government has backed Angus Macdonald’s plans for a Victorian-style building offering locals and visitors to the Highland capital refreshments.

The project had been mired in red tape for more than a decade – despite being approved by councillors on three separate occasions.

But the stopping-up order needed to close off a section of Ness Walk to allow the kiosk to be built at a pedestrian area has been granted by ministers following a costly public inquiry.

Mr Macdonald said he was “delighted” by the decision last night and it was also welcomed by members of the local authority.

He first obtained permission to build in 2002, but there were objections first to the plan itself, and then to the stopping-up order which remained unresolved for years.

Mr Macdonald also runs the boating pond at Whin Park in Inverness and a small shop selling refreshments there.

He intends to use the riverside site to sell light snacks, teas and coffees.

He said: “I was obviously delighted to hear that the stopping-up order was granted.

“I am very grateful to all the councillors, and everyone else who has supported this modest project over the past 13 years, for helping me to make my idea become a reality.

“I am looking forward to the coming months as I work towards the construction and eventual opening.”

City-centre councillor Donnie Kerr backed the scheme throughout the planning process and spoke in favour of it at the public inquiry in September.

He said: “I think it’s well overdue and will be an excellent addition to the riverside.

“The applicant deserves a lot of credit for the work they have put in and frankly they deserve a medal for the perseverance they have shown to get to this point.”

Councillor Thomas Prag, who was part of the planning committee which supported the proposal three times, also said he was pleased the project could now go ahead.

Permission was only granted after government reporter Robert Maslin visited the site and held a public inquiry in September to hear from objectors.

A long-time opponent was the Scottish Episcopal Church’s St Andrews Cathedral, whose former provost, the Very Rev Canon Alexander Gordon, said the kiosk scheme would mean an area of natural beauty being “destroyed”.

A number of members of the congregation also objected, along with community councils representing Ballifeary and Westhill.

A further objection was made by Highland Cycle Campaign member Graham Tuley who warned that queues from the kiosk could restrict space on the promenade for pedestrians and cyclists.

In total, 23 objections were received.

However, in reaching his decision, Mr Maslin found that none of the concerns raised would have enough impact to block the development.

He said: “I conclude that the order would have no direct effect of any significance on the passage of people along Ness Walk promenade.

“I also conclude that the order would have no significant adverse indirect effects

“I therefore recommend that the order be confirmed.”