Cromarty East Church Hall ‘multi-functional community hub’ plan goes to public consultation on Black Isle
PLANS that could see a common good asset in a Black Isle town transformed into a multi-functional community hub are being put to locals for feedback.
Highland Council today launched a statutory Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 consultation giving Cromarty residents until September 29 to respond to a proposal to dispose and change the use of East Church Hall.
This property is common good and therefore there is a statutory requirement to consult with the Cromarty community before a decision is taken to proceed with the proposal.
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The Cromarty Community Development Trust has approached the council, expressing an interest in taking on a lease of the former East Church Hall.
It is proposed to transform the property and associated grounds into a multi-functional community hub.
For the duration that the property is leased to the Trust, the Cromarty Common Good Fund would receive an income representing current market rates.
The lease arrangement would be for a 25-year period however if the venture proves successful, the Trust has indicated it would like to acquire full ownership of the asset in the future.
Highland Council says it is keen to hear the community’s views on the proposal. It says all submissions will be given full regard before a decision is taken to proceed with the request.
If following the consultation, the council wants to proceed with the proposal, they must seek the consent of the Sheriff Court.
The consultation representations and responses, including the final decision, will be published on the council website.
This consultation is specifically in relation to the statutory requirements relating to common good, the local authority makes clear. Should the proposed development proceed, further statutory consents will be required, including those related to planning.
The consultation documents and information on the process to dispose or change the use of common good property is available on www.highland.gov.uk/common-good-asset-changes.
People are asked to submit written responses by close of play on September 29.
Online - https://forms.office.com/e/eQW4GmYDZm
Email - common.good@highland.gov.uk
Post - Common Good Fund Officer, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.