The £23million justice centre will be the first of its kind in Scotland – and has been hailed as a model for the rest of the country to follow.
The “V-shaped” complex will include six courtrooms and provide a base for a wide range of organisations involved in criminal justice.
There will be specialist facilities to support crime victims, as well as providing a base for efforts to tackle the cycle of reoffending.
The complex is expected to be open by 2019, and would pave the way for high court cases to return to the Highlands for the first time since 2013.
Despite approving the plans, councillors raised concerns about the parking arrangements yesterday.
Speaking after the meeting, Highland Alliance city councillor Donnie Kerr said: “I find it hard to believe that a major public building such as a court complex includes 83 staff parking spaces but no public parking.
“I’m glad, at least, that this aspect of the planning application will be further discussed with the applicant.”
Local SNP councillor Richard Laird demanded better lighting and CCTV equipment than that proposed by the courts service for an underpass link to the justice complex.
“Without sufficient improvements it could become home to some of the ne’er-do-wells who currently use the castle banks when they’re waiting their (court) hearing taking place,” he said.
“It’s quite a dingy spot.”
Council solicitor Claire McArthur confirmed that revised planning conditions would address both the parking and CCTV issues – and that relevant organisations would be consulted about better access for disabled people than that indicated by the planning application.
