'Clarity' over Meiklefield estate development bid in Dingwall as Highland Council responds to residents' compulsory purchase order concerns
Highland Council has moved to calm fears that it will force homeowners in Dingwall's Meiklefield estate to sell up as part of a massive redevelopment of the area.
In its planning application for the redevelopment of 114 homes into 117 the council stated in official papers: “The compulsory purchase of some private properties will be required.”
It has now rowed back on that and confirmed instead that no compulsory purchase orders will be used.
The clarification comes after numerous worried homeowners contacted local councillors desperately seeking clarity having made their life and home in the area.
Instead, local members have been told that where property is owned in a block earmarked for redevelopment and the owner does not want to sell, the remaining residences in the building will be refurbished not demolished.
The issue arose when the local authority applied for planning in principle – its agreement at the north planning commitee means the development can go-ahead with details still to be ironed out.
Now that has been amended with the council now saying: “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.”
Dingwall and Seaforth Councillor Angela Maclean said: “It was really unfortunate that that statement was in the report because it caused unnecessary worry for the homeowners given Highland Council had told them on more than one occasion that compulsory purchase was not going to take place.
“It is my understanding that those homes in blocks – where residents don’t want to sell – will be refurbished rather than be knocked down. Two officers reconfirmed in a statement exactly what is happening at a ward business meeting.
“We have had more letters from some of the residents and owners because they are worried about the mixed messaging that came out.
“The council has got agreement in principle for the masterplan and that shows there is a commitment by the council through planning so funding will come from the Scottish Government and the council to do this redevelopment.
“But it will be in phases and over a number of years and it is very important that as local members we don’t just want the homes built to 21st century standards but also see the infrastructure improved.”