Multimillion-pound plans for a major extension to the Highland’s biggest shopping park could be in jeopardy – more than three years after they were given permission.
Inverness Estates won consent for the £40million enlargement of the Inverness Retail Park.
The development was designed for so-called “bulky goods” and included a major new garden centre.
But now that permission is set to be revoked because the terms of a legal agreement have not been met.
The document covered issues such as contributions to improvements at the Inshes roundabout and other infrastructure at the park.
In 2011, the Press and Journal reported that the extension plans would have created 200 long-term jobs.
As well as a garden centre, the development would include a DIY store and 13 other shop units as well as parking for 740 cars.
The P&J tried to contact one businessman who is part of the Inverness Estates consortium – David Cameron, of Aviemore-based Upland Developments – but he did not return the calls.
No one from Highland Council was available to explain the current situation.
However, in a report to councillors at the south planning applications committee last week, principal planner David Mudie said that the legal agreement, known as a section 75, had been drafted and was sent to the applicant.
He wrote: “No progress has been made by the applicant,” adding that the case was expected to be brought to the committee’s November meeting with a recommendation to refuse permission.
If his proposal is approved by the council, it would be another setback for the company, which had a second extension proposal turned down earlier this year.
Inverness Estates wanted to build new restaurants, including drivethroughs on another site in the retail park complex.
This plan also included proposals to improve the roads around the park.
But the restaurant proposals were rejected on appeal to the Scottish Government.