Baptists’ blow as plan for new Balloch church vetoed
Proposal rejected because of traffic concerns and effect on residents’ view
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Inverness churchmen said yesterday they would “take time to pray and consider the future” after having their hopes of building a new church in the city rejected by Highland councillors.
Culloden Baptist Church had applied for permission to build a new place of worship on open ground bordering Wellside Road and Cullernie Road at Balloch, on the outskirts of Inverness.
Various proposals in recent years for a bowling green, pavilion and flats on the site have come to nothing.
And objectors’ continuing concerns about traffic congestion and parking at the location ultimately swung the opinion of the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey planning committee.
The church had promised a focal point for the community and improved local facilities.
Culloden and Ardersier SNP councillor Bob Wynd, however, argued that the proposal conflicted with the local construction plan and would result in considerable additional traffic in a residential area leading to “excessive street parking, noise and disturbance, which would have a harmful impact on individual and community residential amenity.”
Ward colleague Roddy Balfour, an independent, also pointed to “light pollution” and views from nearby residents’ homes being blocked. Liberal Democrat ward colleague Glynis Sinclair shared their concerns.
Suggesting a new church would prove “a Godsend to the community”, Inverness South Labour councillor John Holden attempted to have the plan approved if a “green area” within the site was retained for community use. But his argument was defeated in a 12-2 vote, and the planning application was refused.
Baptist Church secretary Ken Oates said: “We were surprised and extremely disappointed with the outcome, particularly given that the planning officials had recommended approval and also because Balloch Community Council had given us their support.
“A lot of the objections were based around the car parking and traffic congestion, and yet we had more than met the requirements laid down by the planning officials.
“We’re now taking time to pray and consider what we should do in the future. We need time to reflect on what our options might be.”
Delighted with the verdict, retired builder Bob Glover, 68, of Wellside Road, said: “There are three junctions within 30 yards of the site and six junctions within 150 yards.
“If you get 60 to 100 cars trying to get in and out, it will jam the whole place up. And people bought homes in the area for the good view of the Moray Firth.”
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