Bid to get Dingwall Business Park flood defence nightmare resolved takes step forward as Highlands and Islands Enterprise submits initial proposals
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HOPES that Ross-shire's county town can tap the multimillion-pound spin-off from the new Cromarty Firth freeport have been raised with moves that could unlock development at its business park.
Surging demand from businesses keen to set up there has been frustrated by years of foot-dragging over upgrading a flood bund now deemed essential to meet planning conditions.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has lodged initial planning proposals to remove and restore flood protection which, if brought up to standard, would allow traders to buy or let plots.
Construction, electrical and fish farming companies have been prevented from locating in the park because of concerns about once-in-200 year flood events, even though nurseries for under-fives remain in an area vulnerable to flooding – as does the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).
Fingers had been pointed at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for developing it and apparently selling off the plots piecemeal without enough consideration to the fate of the bund.
That meant Highland Council were unable to formally issue planning permission because SEPA objected due to the inadequate flood bund.
"There is a great opportunity not only for Dingwall Business Park but other business parks in the area. We haven’t got the funding yet. This has taken a number of years to get here – a lot of sweat and blood has gone into getting us here."
Frustrated councillors fought for years to get the relevant parties around the table. Local MSP and First Minister hopeful Kate Forbes then got involved to bring them together.
That may be a thing of the past with the submission of a planning advance notice from HIE to remove and replace the bund.
The proposal is to replace the existing sub-standard bund around the perimeter of Dingwall Business Park with a new defence structure.
Local councillor Angela Maclean acknowledged years of frustration over the issue and acknowledged the role Kate Forbes had played bringing parties together.
She said: “There have been a number of outstanding applications where we have approved planning applications against SEPA’s advice and we are still waiting for the outcome of that. As you can see, if these works happen Highland Council will be responsible for the maintenance of the bund."
She said: "Planning is also about recovery and regeneration and as a result of Opportunity Cromarty Firth, which again our local MSP was very involved with, there is a great opportunity not only for Dingwall Business Park but other business parks in the area. We haven’t got the funding yet. This has taken a number of years to get here – a lot of sweat and blood has gone into getting us here.”
Fellow Dingwall and Seaforth councillor Graham Mackenzie welcomed the development, adding: "It is necessary to see Dingwall Business Park used to the absolute maximum both for the benefit of local businesses and ultimately local people, through employment. I certainly believe it is vital that this business park gets done long before the green freeport comes into operation.”
READ ALSO: 'Ludicrous' that firms denied Dingwall Business Park access
Kate Forbes hails positive moves on business park
Cllr Margaret Paterson said: "There is not point in having a business park when you cannot allow businesses to go into it so there is a queue of people wanting to set up. I hope that HIE will find the money to go ahead because it is time they spent money in the Dingwall area.”
A spokesperson for HIE said: “Following public consultation events and engagement with key stakeholders, we have submitted a planning proposal to remove and replace the flood bund at Dingwall business park. For new development to progress at the business park, it is necessary for the improvements to be made. Should the application be approved and funding obligations agreed, the vision is to upgrade the flood embankment around the park to promote future development of existing and new businesses, increasing economic and employment opportunities in the area.
“We are in discussions with stakeholders to explore the funding implications of the project."
