A care home company has vowed to fight on after controversial plans for a new £3.5million facility on the Black Isle were thrown out.
The proposals from Parklands for the 40-bed care home off Ness Road in Fortrose have been rejected by council planning officials.
They raised concerns about the visual impact of the building and the potential closing of a “green wedge” of land which separates Fortrose and Rosemarkie.
The proposal has divided opinion, with 58 supportive comments and 30 objections to the planning application.
Supporters of the project believe the scheme is much needed after the closure of the Marine House care home in Rosemarkie last year, and uncertainty hanging over the future of the nearby Abbeyfield House, which was put up for sale last year.
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes has said he will appeal the decision.
He said: “I am obviously disappointed by this decision but I am more disappointed for elderly people in Fortrose and Rosemarkie who now face an uncertain future, with virtually no care provision in an area with a growing elderly population.
“The Highland Council’s own report shows there was firm public support for the application, with 58 letters of support and 30 letters of objection.”
Mr Taylor also referenced an opinion poll which showed public support for the project.
He added: “I am not prepared to walk away from Fortrose and will begin preparations to appeal this decision. We already have a waiting list for the proposed care home and have had strong expressions of interest from prospective employees.
“I am at a loss to understand how, in the midst of an elderly care crisis, local councillors are prepared to turn down a £3.5million investment that would create 50 full time equivalent jobs and generate £1 million annually for the local economy.”
Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council was opposed to the plans because of its proposed location – but yesterday chairman Iain Brown acknowledged the need for a new care home.
He said: “With the closure of the Marine House care home and the possible closure of Abbeyfield, the Black Isle needs a care home but not on a prohibited site.
“The community council very much hope that, with the publicity engendered with the recent application, other care home operators as well as Parklands will consider an alternative and acceptable site.”
