Plans by Eden Court Theatre to extend its alcohol licence to cover its entire grounds have been put on hold by the Highland licensing board.
Due to a mix-up, the appropriate community council, Ballifeary, was not consulted, with the consultation going instead to neighbouring Park community council.
Licensing committee chairman Andrew Jarvie said the situation would now be rectified and the decision period extended to allow Ballifeary to voice their views.
From Ballifeary community council, Helen Smith said the community highly valued Eden Court, and wanted to support it as it faces difficult challenges.
She said: “We understand the main idea is to cover Under Canvas, the outdoor traditional music festival which has been so popular with locals and visitors.
“Eden Court was having to apply for a temporary licence every time they were holding a new Under Canvas event through the summer.
“Our concerns would be if outdoor events started all year round, particularly as the car park is included.
“There’s little enough car parking in the area without losing it to an event.”
In its application Eden Court says only parts of its extensive grounds are covered by its existing licence, with other areas operating under occasional licenses so it wants to rationalise this by covering the entire area under the licensing footprint, including the 75-space car park.
