Plans for a small coffee kiosk on the banks of the River Ness are to be the focus of an expensive public inquiry – 13 years after they were first tabled.
The project has been backed by the local authority three times in the past and last night one councillor said it was “ridiculous” the saga had dragged on for so long.
But a trio of objectors remain ready to try to block the proposals for the 19ft long Victorian-style structure.
The Scottish Episcopal Church’s nearby St Andrews Cathedral, a cycling group and the local community council are all opposed to the stopping up order needed to allow the pedestrian area at Ness Walk to be built on.
Councillor Thomas Prag, who was a member of the council planning committee which thrice approved the plans, said: “I think it’s astonishing that a really modest idea has taken so long to come to fruition.
“I have to say I’m impressed with the applicants for sticking with it for so long.
“I still think that a lot of the concerns people have amount to nothing.”
City centre councillor Donnie Kerr also backed the plans and said: “Personally I will be glad to draw a line under it. It’s ridiculous that this application has been drawn out this long.”
City businessman Angus Macdonald first obtained permission to build the small kiosk to sell drinks and snacks in 2002.
But objections to first the plan itself, and then the stopping up order from the nearby cathedral, community council members and a number of residents led to the public hearing.
Scottish Government planning reporter Robert Maslin will take evidence on September 22.
The Very Rev Canon Alexander Gordon, a former provost of the church, objected “most strongly” to the order on behalf of the church.
He added: “The area affected by the proposed order is presently available for pedestrians and cyclists and represents part of the area which has been developed pleasantly and effectively by the council as a significant amenity for recreation in an area of natural beauty.
“This significant amenity will be destroyed in the event if this order being enforced.”
Another objection is from Highland Cycle Campaign member and access campaigner Graham Tuley who is concerned about the loss of space for pedestrians and cyclists.
He said: “Putting the kiosk there means it will stick out into the promenade, which is currently open for cyclists and pedestrians to use.”
Ballifeary Community Council is concerned that vehicles would stop at the side of the road to buy items from the kiosk, causing a hazard to other drivers. The community council said it would be “unsafe” and “untenable”.
Mr Macdonald, who will give evidence at the hearing, did not want to comment on the application other than to say he was “hopeful” the reporter would find in his favour.
He currently has a franchise to run the council boating pond at Whin Park.
He added: “I’m absolutely delighted that we are heading for some kind of resolution. People seem to have this feeling that we are going to be selling burgers and chips and things like that.
“That’s not it at all. It will be good quality products, and when we have the chance to explain to people what we are doing they tend to support us.”
The kiosk would be clad in slate coloured zinc and natural stone designed panels.
Because of the delays caused by objections the original planning consent lapsed, but was granted again twice.