Plans for a major extension of a housing scheme in Inverness will go before councillors again this week.
Robertson Homes’ proposal to build the next 51-house phase of its Westercraigs development on the western edge of the city were put on hold last month after a planning committee deferred their decision.
Councillors wanted the developer and local residents to meet to discuss concerns about preserving green space.
However, the latest report which will go before the committee tomorrow reveals that the applicant “declined to enter into discussion” with the community about relocating their homes.
Robertsons said it expected to be able to bring forward its proposals without adjustments as they were set out in the existing masterplan for the site.
Maclay, Murray and Spens solicitors, acting on behalf of Robertsons Homes, wrote to the council following the previous deferral, expressing their “extreme disappointment.”
They said they did not consider the reasons given for deferral to be “legitimate”, because of the existing masterplan for the site which allowed for construction on the latest plot – designated “site 11”.
Existing residents want some land to be preserved as a play area for children.
Council planning official, David Mudie, has recommended the scheme is approved, subject to a condition which prevents development proceeding before a separate plan to develop open space is agreed with the authority.
He said: “It is clear that the applicant does not wish to relocate the housing units promoted for site 11 and, accordingly, has declined to enter into discussion with the community in this regard.
“Essentially, the applicant considers it has a reasonable expectation to bring forward development proposals in accordance with the approved masterplan which identified site 11 for development.”
The latest stage of the development forms part of a 550-home scheme on a 120-acre site surrounding the former Craig Dunain Hospital.
Robertsons’ have previously succeeded in other aspects of the development, including change-of-use consent for renovation of the former hospital to create 56 residential luxury and executive units.
The landmark 1864 building was gutted by a fire in 2007, causing more than £5million worth of damage.
