Date announced for controversial £6m food and drink hub drop-in session
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Controversial plans for a food and drink hub and superfast electric vehicle charging facility at the entrance to North Kessock will go on public display later this month.
Aberdeen-based developer, West Coast Estates (WCE), had announced that a public drop-in event will take place in North Kessock Village Hall on September 26 between 3pm and 7pm.
The move follows calls by concerned residents for more opportunities for them to air their views on the proposals.
If approved by Highland Council, the planning application would see a drive-thru, convenience store, parking and 32 vehicle charging bays installed on land next to the roundabout that motorists use immediately after leaving the northbound A9 carriageway.
Residents in neighbouring streets have voiced concerns over the loss of the land, which is used by walkers and children, and have also raised fears over the possible danger caused by increased traffic levels.
Related: New A9 food and drink hub 'to create up to 100 jobs' at North Kessock, claims developer
Related: Residents vow to fight North Kessock A9 food and drink hub plan over traffic concerns
Local Green politicians have also complained that the land is zoned for a park-and-ride in the local development plan and claim that the application flies in the face of this.
Knockbain Community Council chairman John Stott, meanwhile, criticised the way the application came 'out of the blue' with no warning – a sentiment shared by some residents who complained that they had not had enough time to air their views to the developer.
This prompted promises by WCE to hold a drop-in session, which is the event which has now been announced
The developer claims the proposals will "infuse approximately £6 million in inward investment and generate 100 new local job opportunities".
Iftikar Mian, West Coast Estates' director said: “We are delighted to announce our information event for our proposed development at North Kessock. This event is an opportunity for us to share our plans and importantly, to hear the thoughts of the community.
“We are confident the new development will have a positive impact on the local community, and we are thrilled with the level of support we’ve received thus far on our proposals.
“We would encourage all those with an interest to join us at the drop-in event on September 26 and learn more about our project.”
Responding to residents' complaints, the developer claims the application has received almost 50 comments on Highland Council's planning portal, and that around 80 per cent were positive.
It added that it was also "diligently finalising agreements with a globally renowned EV charging brand, already boasting a vast network of over 8000 charging stations throughout the UK".
The planning application (23/03666/FUL) is currently under review by Highland Council. To view the applicant's project website, visit http://northkessockconsultation.co.uk.
Highland Council has stressed that anyone wishing to make a comment on the application should do so via its own planning portal at https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/ and type 23/03666/FUL into the application box.
