Councillors slammed a Scottish Government decision to support up to 130 more homes at Inshes in Inverness.
The Scottish Government backed an appeal by Springfield Properties to expand the existing Inshes housing development.
Highland Council had said the plan would put huge strain on the transport and schools infrastructure.
And planners today said they “can’t defend the aggressive stance from this developer”.
Councillors said they would vigorously defend local control of the planning process and seek legal advice on the Scottish Government decision.
Inshes housing could extend beyond Balvonie Cottage
In October 2021, Springfield Properties submitted an application for planning in principle to add to the expansive Inshes residential development in Inverness.
The developer wanted to add up to 130 new homes on agricultural land extending to the east of Balvonie Cottage. The site is already bordered by housing to the north, west and east.
The period of determination was extended to March 2022 but not concluded within the timeframe. As a result, Springfield appealed to the Scottish Government against the council’s non-determination of the application.
The council took its proposed response to a meeting of the south planning committee in August this year. There, planners stated that they would have refused the application.
Both council officers and elected members were in agreement. They felt the proposed housing development would put too much strain on the roads and schools infrastructure.
They also said that while part of the site is allocated for housing in the current Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan (IMFLDP), an area to the south of the site is not.
In fact, the council intends to alter the development area further in the second draft of the IMFLDP.
Scottish Government rules further housing is appropriate
However, the Scottish Government reporter has found in favour of Springfield.
In her notice of appeal, Alison Kirkwood points out that the current IMFLDP is more than five years old. As such, national policy recommends a presumption in favour of granting development. Ms Kirkwood notes that the council has not yet approved the second draft of the plan.
The reporter also says that extending the housing development is “a logical extension of the built up area.”
Whilst the council had wanted Springfield to provide new bus stops and active travel links at the new housing development, the reporter concluded these were “not justified”.
Many of the other concerns raised by the council, could, the reporter said, be met by planning conditions.
As a result, the Scottish Government has granted Springfield Properties’ appeal.
SNP member ‘beyond disappointed’ with Inshes housing decision
Discussing the decision at today’s committee meeting, members and officers showed a united front.
SNP councillor and Inverness member Ken Gowans called the decision “beyond disappointing, to say the least”.
Mr Gowans urged the committee to explore every option the council has on this planning application. He highlighted the significant impact this decision will have on the new IMFDLP.
Council planning bosses said they did not intend to support such a sizeable development. They were in discussions with the developer on some alterations but the process was held up due to officer sickness. This led Springfield to lodge an appeal.
“We can’t defend an aggressive stance from a developer, when they have a right to appeal,” said the officer.
He added that the council is seeking legal advice regarding the application.
Committee chairman Thomas MacLennan told members the committee would “strive to keep control of local planning applications”.
Dave Main, Springfield Properties Managing Director (North), welcomed the appeal decision.
“We are pleased our application for energy efficient homes has been approved,” he said.
“As with all our developments, we strongly believe this will provide a great place to live and help increase the availability of high-quality homes to the local community.
“In addition to this, the new site will create work for many employees and nearby businesses and contribute to the local economy.”
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