Developer says community backs plans for Dingwall site
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PLANS to transform the long abandoned former picture house on Dingwall High Street into housing have the support of the community, a developer has claimed after the planning consultation period passed without objections.
Designs for the multi-million pound investment, which will create 17 flats and refurbish the existing retail premises on the High Street, were submitted to Highland Council’s planning department last month.
Developer Ark Estates will also tidy up the site by demolishing some buildings at the rear, as well as providing car parking.
It said it hopes the moves will breathe new life into the High Street by converting the existing retail area into much smaller, more easily let commercial shop units.
Now the consultation period has passed with no objections to the planned development.
Willie Gray of Ark Estates welcomed what he said had been the positive response to the project, saying: "We’ve had a great reaction locally to our plans.
"People have been telling us how pleased they are we are doing something with the old picture house.
"We’re delighted there are no objections to our plans from the public.
"This is a site that has lain derelict for many years – we want to transform it and create much needed housing.
"Hopefully it will help to regenerate the High Street and potentially act as a catalyst for other development in Mart Road.
"We look forward to the council making a positive decision so we can get started on site as soon as possible."
More than 50 people attended a consultation event earlier in the year and the developer said that all those present had been very supportive of the plans.
Ark Estates commissioned architect Catriona Hill from CH Architecture to draw up the plans.
She also designed the new Falls of Shin Visitor Centre, which has already attracted national attention – with the colourful salmon-tail inspired design of the access walkway proving a particular highlight among tourists.
