Flats plan floated for Invergordon pub as changing times prompt revamp bid
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A LONG-ESTABLISHED Invergordon bar that called last orders during the pandemic could be converted into flats under plans before Highland Council.
The Caledonian in the town’s King Street was once a thriving pub and social gathering spot offering quiz nights, live music and DJs.
Even before lockdown, though, the business had fallen on hard times, with the current owners now seeking to convert the ground floor into four residential properties.
A design statement included for applicants Summit Highland Ltd – run by Brian Munro and wife Pauline, a Highland councillor – describes how the business had hit difficulties before closure in March this year.
It read: “Previously King Street had a number of commercial premises along its whole length, including carpet warehouse, various shops, joiners workshop, offices etc.
“But now the only other commercial premises are located at the north end of the street, adjacent to the High Street, and the bar is now surrounded entirely by residential properties. “Consequently, its continued use as a bar has sometimes caused conflict with neighbours.
“Even before the Covid19 crisis, the bar was struggling commercially, and the current owners have concluded that it is no longer viable.”
The former bar occupies only the ground floor of the three-storey building with three existing flats occupying the upper floors.
The proposal would covert the old bar to four small flats, three with one bedroom and one with two bedrooms.
The design statement argues that the proposal meets national sustainable development aspirations, as low-carbon project converting and re-using existing buildings, rather than requiring demolition and new building work.
The design statement stressed: “The proposed flats are designed to keep alterations to the existing building to a minimum while creating new homes with high standards of insulation to current standards … within easy walking distance of the town centre shops and other amenities to help sustain a viable town centre.”
The determination deadline for the planning application is January 18 next year.
