Marine life safety crucial as Highland councillors give green light to planning proposal at a former fabrication yard at Ardersier
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Councillors have given the green light to an ambitious planning proposal at a former fabrication yard at Ardersier.
The mixed-use masterplan proposed for the port of Ardersier includes the creation of nearly 2000 homes, hotel, retail and restaurant developments, community facilities, play areas and nature conservation corridors.
South planning applications committee members agreed to renew planning in principle for the project, which was originally agreed in 2007.
Highland Council planning officers recommended granting the proposal, which they said would bring substantial economic and employment benefits to the area.
If implemented, the masterplan will breathe new life into the A96 corridor from Inverness to Nairn, in line with the Highland-wide Local Development Plan.
However, the report also acknowledged that this was “a finely balanced decision” given the rich and diverse ecology of the Inner Moray Firth.
Whiteness is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of a range of protections afforded to the Inner Moray Firth including Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation.
Both NatureScot and the RSPB raised concerns about the impact on bottlenose dolphins, seals, tern, ospreys and the wider wetland ecology. The RSPB formally objected to the development, claiming the impact assessment was insufficient and mitigating actions were inadequate.
NatureScot, on the other hand, did not object, on the condition that the council undertakes a detailed assessment. It wants to see a robust and enforceable area management plan, vessel movement plan and marine management plan.
The application hinges on how to enforce these plans, and the council’s access officer objected, believing bye-laws to be a poor solution for protecting the area.
Climate change was also a consideration, with SEPA and committee members raising concerns about future coastal erosion.
On further discussion with planning officers it was agreed that the council would add a Section 75 clause stating that all the necessary safeguards and plans would be put in place prior to the start of development and at no cost to the council.
Developers will also be expected to contribute to the cost of more school places in the Culloden Academy catchment, provide land for a new sport centre and medical centre, and ensure that 25 per cent of the new homes are affordable.
Speaking after the meeting, committee chairman Jimmy Gray said: “This was a very complex application to determine.”
Adding to the complexity, the site owner – Ardersier Port Limited – also has planning in principle to develop the site for oil and gas decommissioning and green energy developments.
