Inverness has been urged to follow the lead of other riverside cities and make more use of its waterfront, after controversial plans for a refreshment kiosk on the banks of the River Ness were renewed.
Councillors yesterday expressed feelings of deja vu after permission was given to build the kiosk near the entrance to Inverness Cathedral for the third time since 2002.
Businessman Angus MacDonald was granted planning consent for the project in May 2011, but his plans have had to be put on hold until a stopping-up order for part of the footpath in Ness Walk could be obtained.
He had previously obtained permission in 2002 but was later told to rethink the development due to its proximity to the cathedral.
The cathedral have continually objected to the proposal as has Balifeary Community Council.
Mr MacDonald, who also runs the Whin Park boating pond franchise further upstream, said yesterday that his plans have been “misunderstood” and would enhance the riverside.
He said: “I think part of the problem has been with calling it a kiosk, which seems to put people in mind of a fast food takeaway.
“It’s definitely not that, we’re not going to be selling fried food or anything like that.
“Our aim is to make better use of the riverside and encourage people to spend more time there.
“Whenever we have had the chance to talk to people about what we are doing they have said it’s a good idea.”
Mr MacDonald added that he is “very hopeful” that the stopping-up order will be obtained soon.
Permission was renewed yesterday at a meeting of the South Planning Applications Committee.
Councillor Thomas Prag said he would welcome the development.
He said: “You have to commend the applicant for hanging on in there with this plan.
“This fits with what we are trying to do with the riverside. We want to give people a reason to linger and to spend their money.”
Inverness Central councillor Donnie Kerr said: “If you go to any major city with a river in it then there are places to eat right along the side.
“It’s not, as it has been described, a burger van. It will be a benefit to the area.”