A city businessman has claimed that a planned new housing development at the historic Raining’s Stairs could be the “last chance” for the area.
The pathway which links the Crown area with the city centre has lain derelict for several years and has been blighted with anti-social behaviour.
Construction firm William Gray Construction have plans to develop 16 new flats alongside the stairs which are due to go before a planning committee next week.
The plans have received backing from the business community in the city centre who are keen to see something done about the area.
Among those supporting the development is David Traill, owner of outdoor supplies store J Graham & Co, which sits near the bottom of Raining’s Stairs on Castle Street.
He urged councillors to give their back to the housing plan when it goes before a committee next week.
Mr Traill said: “Local businesses need people living locally to support them and this is a chance to boost this part of the city centre.
“The area in question is a complete eyesore and deters local people and visitors alike from using what would otherwise be a convenient shortcut from the Crown to our part of the town.
“A number of previous proposals have failed and it’s beginning to look like this could be a last chance to do something about an area that has become a focus for anti-social behaviour.
“The city centre of Inverness is struggling and this is an opportunity to do something to help.”
As well as 45 supportive comments, 21 objections have been raised against the plans, primarily concerned with its design and its prominence from Inverness Castle.
Applicant Willie Gray said: “We’ve been inundated with support from local residents and local businesses who are really keen to see something happening on this site.
“It’s become a real eyesore and people are afraid to use the stairs to access the town.
“The businesses are keen to see more visitors in this part of the town and believe it will help to improve the footfall as it’s a route to the town that people avoid at the moment.”
The company initially applied earlier this year for 18 flats, though this has since been amended to include 16 properties and a commercial unit.
The staircase itself will also be refurbished as part of the project, including a series of plaques with historical information about the pathway.
Council planning officers have recommended approval for the project.