The development of the Torvean area of Inverness must strike a balance between public space and sufficient commercial development to be viable, Highland Council planning officials have told city councillors.
Planners yesterday presented adjusted proposals for Torvean Gateway, revised following public consultation and the council’s changed financial position since the original brief of 2013.
Craig Baxter, of the council’s development plan’s team, said a financial return had to be secured for the authority, which owns land around the newly-constructed West Link bypass – including the old Torvean golf course – balanced with delivering benefits for the local community, the city and the region.
He said: “We’ve tried to strike a careful balance between realising the development potential and getting a return for some of the land and delivering a good open space for the city and the local communities in the area.”
The area south of the A82 will be a ‘gateway destination’, centred on canal-side public open space to be overlooked by a café or restaurant, a new hotel and opportunities for commercial and community uses.
There will also be a new city park, around the size of the popular Whin Park next to the River Ness, able to accommodate the 5k Inverness Parkrun.
Parking space would alleviate the over-spill from major events at Bught Park and provide coach and trailer parking which would ease pressure on the city centre.
A small block of one-bed flats above commercial ground floors is also proposed.
To the north of the A82, around 30 new homes are proposed in addition to the 48 consented at Torvean Caravan Park.
A site for a new school is also to be safeguarded in the area bearing in mind the proximity of more than 750 new homes agreed for Ness-side.
An area of parkland has been identified for this area, which officers say will be similar in size to Fraser and Walker parks combined with potential for play parks and outdoor gym facilities.
Councillors approved the adjusted plans.
Local councillor Bill Boyd said: “I want to see evidence of partnership with public transport. We need to think about park and ride, active travel and cycling.”
Council leader Margaret Davidson pointed to the importance of creating an outstanding children’s play area.
She said: “We could have something here which could be a phenomenon. Let’s do something a bit different with the green space here.”
Local councillor Graham Ross added: “We have a balance of green space now for the community and it must be protected from development in the future.”
