St Andrew’s Cathedral in Inverness has voiced its objection to a controversial development in the city’s historic Ardross Street.
The proposed construction of eight modern flats at 14 Ardross St. has been met with a growing chorus of disapproval from councillors and locals alike.
Now in a solicitor’s letter to the Highland Council planning department the Vestry described the plans as “out of keeping” with other buildings on the street that are mostly B or C Listed.
The position laid out in the letter is that “we consider the planning proposal to be contrary to Policies 28, 29 and 44 of the Highland Wide Development Plan (HWDP).
“Our clients are of the view that the design as put forward as part of this application is totally out of keeping with the surrounding buildings and in particular with regard to the Conservation Area status and Listed Buildings in the locality.”
The letter cited “significant parking issues in this area” noting “a shortfall of 15 parking spaces as only nine parking spaces are proposed.”
The Vestry concluded that the design would be “overwhelming and alien” and would “negatively impact a conservation area.”
When the application first came to light it drew the ire of two ward councillors – Graham Ross and Alex Graham – and residents.
Mr Ross said: “Given the character of Ardross Street looking out at an area of historic and conservation value – it is a nightmare.”
Earlier, the director the director of HRI Munro Architecture, Andrew Bruce, defended the firm.
He said: “Carefully designed contemporary architecture invariably attracts adverse comment from those who prefer pastiche copies of older Architectural styles but constructive, informed comments are always welcome.
He added: “Just as the existing buildings on Ardross street were designed for their time, the new building is reflective of our time and is intended to make a positive contribution to the streetscape.”
