Home   News   Article

Massive redevelopment of Meiklefield estate in Ross-shire county town of Dingwall won't include compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), Highland Council insists


By Hector MacKenzie

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Demolition under way.
Demolition under way.

THE massive redevelopment of a Ross-shire housing estate will NOT include compulsory purchase orders.

Highland Council has issued a public clarification of procedures planned for the Meiklefield redevelopment in Dingwall.

Fears had been growing amongst some residents in the county town about the possible use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).

A CPO is a legal process that allows acquiring authorities – including councils – to require those with interest in property, such as owners and occupiers, to sell their interests if they obstruct any development or infrastructure project that benefits the greater public good.

A number of residents in the county town had voiced fears about the possibility of being drawn into the process during what is one of the biggest developments of its kind in years.

The masterplan for the area envisages demolition of 114 residential units and erection of 117 modern replacements.

RELATED: Dingwall demolition well under way as Highland Council flags info day

Major step forward after years of neglect

How we drew attention to concerns about the area back in 2018.
How we drew attention to concerns about the area back in 2018.

Highland Council said today it wanted to offer clarification to the public "regarding two wording inaccuracies mentioned within the Meiklefield Redevelopment Masterplan Report".

That was submitted as part of the planning in principle application and was reviewed during the North Planning Applications Committee on June 15.

Planning in principle is not the same as full planning consent.

More detailed documents will have to be provided prior to delivery of the adopted masterplan.

Highland Council said: "The report has led to concerns among homeowners with respect to the use of compulsory purchase orders.

"To be clear, there will be no compulsory purchase orders as part of the Meiklefield redevelopment in Dingwall. Instead, the council’s housing service will work side by side with homeowners where we are seeking to purchase their home through a process of negotiation.

"Demolition and redevelopment will indeed be carried out in a phased manner. However, the final order has not yet been confirmed and will depend on the progress of sites becoming available within the masterplan area."

The funding for this project is provided by the Scottish Government and Highland Council.

The council said these matters were clarified during the Q&A after the presentation during the most recent North Planning Applications Committee.

The webcast for the committee can be accessed here.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More