Action over 'eyesore' Commercial Bar in Dingwall that has 100% unoccupied exemption so pays no tax
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A CALL for action has been made on an eyesore in the heart of Ross-shire's county town amid wider efforts to breathe fresh life into an area strewn with empty business premises.
It has been confirmed that Highland Council receives no non-domestic rates from the former Commercial Bar which sits semi-derelict next to the Dingwall High Street office of the area's MSP, Kate Forbes.
Local councillors Sean Kennedy and Margaret Paterson have joined her in calling for action on the eyesore which has lain empty for well over a decade.
Cllr Paterson said: "When I complained the council said it was dangerous but it only became dangerous years after and that was because it was not looked after. I spoke to the owner and he assured me that he was close to a sale but nothing happened. I know the owner does not keep well but something needs to be done as it is a blight in the town. I have reported it to Building Standards and they are dealing with it. I will speak to them again.”
She says called the situation "unacceptable" and believes and raised the issue when a close next to the property was shut off by the owner.
The property does not generate any income for Highland Council as it gets an exemption as an unoccupied property.
Ms Forbes said: “My constituency office is right beside this derelict property and over the past seven years the only signs of life next door have been the pigeons. It’s fair to say it could be improved. If eyesore properties continue to receive 100 per cent relief over a significant period of time, it does not do anything to incentivise the owner to redevelop or even sell their site. It would also appear to be unfair to others who are doing their best to weather the storms of Brexit, Covid and now the cost of living crisis.”
She added: “I have spoken to Highland Council and they are now aware of the situation. I will continue to do everything I can to help the High Street.”
Cllr Kennedy said: "I knew the Commercial when it was a thriving bar and it is a crying shame to see it go from that to an eyesore. As a former publican, in the right hands I believe that this place with the right investment would once again be a busy wee pub for locals and enhance the offering of the town.I know there are a lot of good officers at Highland Council but I have to say that to allow this place to slip into wrack and ruin is unacceptable.
"The people of Dingwall deserve better and though it's not entirely the council's fault that this place doesn't have to pay a penny for it is just plain wrong.
"In fact, I would say it is an insult to the many traders throughout the town, working hard, providing employment and who have recently been working hard to clear weeds and the like, basically doing their best.I think we need to see some kind of action or even enforcement because for too long people in Dingwall feel like the poor cousins of those in Inverness."
Highland Council was asked if it is 'right' that its policies meant it would not charge anything for the property, held empty for years at a time, but did not answer.
A spokesperson said: “The building at 13 High Street in Dingwall, despite the dilapidated condition, is not the council’s responsibility – that lies with the owner. The same applies to bringing a privately-owned building back into use – the council has no remit to intervene unless a building poses a risk to the health and safety of the public or adjacent building owners.”
