Councillors had a brief update yesterday on a single platform rail station proposed for Inverness Airport.
The south area planning committee casting its eyes over the latest pre planning application from the region’s Hitrans transport agency.
Culloden and Ardersier Liberal Democrat member Kate Stephen wanted to know about the implications that the Dalcross station might have on the Petty level crossing, which is currently a popular route choice for drivers in the area but has for several years faced the threat of closure by Network Rail on safety grounds.
Planning officer Nicola Drummond said she would ensure the applicant was aware of the issue.
Inverness South independent councillor Jim Crawford sought clarity on the frequency of trains that would use the station.
Ms Drummond explained that the pre application notice was sketchy in detail but that the council would ensure such information would be part of the planning process.
It emerged last month (APR) that transport chiefs are likely to draft plans for expanding the new rail station before it has even opened.
Scottish Government ministers could be asked next year to back multimillion-pound proposals to build a second platform and a passing place for trains at the Dalcross stop-off.
Hitrans is expected to lodge a planning application imminently. An opening ceremony has provisionally been set for December 2018.
It would coincide with the introduction of a new high-speed, hourly service between Inverness and Elgin.
Dalcross Station would be likely to resemble the one at Dyce, with waiting sheds and 150 parking spaces.
