It’s time for Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals lodged across the Highlands.
A major application for a world-class golf course has reached an important milestone.
Another cafe is in the pipeline in Inverness and plans for more new homes have been lodged in Alness.
Next stage for Coul Links golf course project
A major application to create an 18-hole golf course at Coul Links has been lodged.
Previous plans by American entrepreneur Todd Warnock attracted vehement opposition from environmentalists and locals, with 90,000 signing a petition against the Coul Links golf club.
Scottish Ministers threw out the application in 2020.
But Communities for Coul (C4C) is the group behind the new application, and says its own plans are different.
C4C says it has put together a comprehensive plan to restore and protect the Coul Links, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
It has also reduced the amount of land used for tees, greens, fairways and walkways by more than 40%.
The new golf club could create 175-250 local jobs, according to the applicant, whilst protecting the local environment.
According to the papers, the local knowledge in the C4C group will be a major asset.
A statement said: “The applicant is represented by a group of local residents who together comprise Communities for Coul.
“This is a not-for-profit company formed in January 2021 with a remit to develop a new, environmentally sensitive, world-class golf course.
“The applicant’s detailed local knowledge of the area, the value of championship golf courses to the economy of the area and an appreciation of the significant changes in the demography of the area with an increasingly ageing population, has provided a catalyst for action to deliver a development that would both support the local communities and help reverse depopulation by young residents.”
Merkinch cafe bistro
A new cafe bistro could open in the Merkinch area of Inverness.
Dr Waheed Khan has submitted a proposal to turn a building formerly used for retail at 51-55 Grant Street into somewhere to prepare and serve food.
The building itself previously housed Nicol’s and the Olive and Company dog grooming business – which has relocated to 25 Grant Street.
Just along the road stands the former home of a William Hill bookmakers – which has been covered in protective scaffolding since being struck by a car more than two years ago.
In his application, Dr Khan is proposing a major overhaul of the building.
It was built between 1821 and 1850.
A statement said: “We propose to upgrade the building, including:
- improving insulation values
- opening up windows and doors that have been blocked up
- re-pointing where necessary
- repairing existing windows where possible
- improving sound insulation between rooms and floors.”
There is no information in the application yet about what kind of food the new cafe will serve.
New homes in Alness
Pat Munro Homes has lodged an application to build 99 homes in Alness.
The site is at Whitehills South, east of Obsdale Primary School.
It was formerly used for agriculture.
According to the papers, there will be a mix of flats, two and three-bedroom semi-detached houses and four-bedroom detached houses.
A statement said: “The range of house types in the area have been carefully and exclusively designed to provide spacious accommodation, whilst satisfying the demands of modern day living.
“The design has been influenced and finalised following public engagement and
discussion with the planning authority.”
Along with the homes themselves, the developer will also be responsible for the associated infrastructure and public open space.
Spotted any plans you think we should know about? Get in touch at north@ajl.co.uk
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