‘Once in lifetime’ freeport chance to regenerate Invergordon must not be missed
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HISTORY will not be kind if Invergordon's infrastructure is left behind in a scramble for new housing as part of the town's freeport future, campaigners have warned.
A new community action group, Save Our Green Space (Sogs), has been created in the town in response to controversial plans by developers to build dozens of homes on one of the community's "last remaining pieces of unspoiled, traffic free, safe and accessible green space".
Sogs believes the green freeport provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the town to reset its infrastructure, and solve many of the issues it faces – from school capacity concerns to derelict industrial brownfield sites.
And they have warned that town, council and business leaders need to make sure Invergordon doesn't miss out on "the golden opportunity [provided] by the freeport status to create a successful town for people to live and thrive in".
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"When it was announced that Inverness and Cromarty Firth had been nominated as one of the two green freeports in Scotland and, with Invergordon one of its key sites, the news was celebrated by many as a great opportunity for jobs and growth," said Richard Cross on behalf of Sogs.
"Whichever direction our leaders take us, they will not be forgiven if the essential improvements to the infrastructure don't come first."
He was speaking after the group was formed following a successful public meeting in the town, which was attended by around 50 people.
They had gathered in response to plans to build 80 houses on land to the east of Rosskeen House.
The "mixed tenure affordable and private housing, recreation area, public open space and associated infrastructure" has proven controversial.
The group is opposed to the planned housing, adding that looking to greenfield sites for new housing when so many brownfield sites are available in and around the town is part of a wider problem that needs addressed. They have also raised concerns over the access being next to the Polish War Memorial, which as one of only two in the UK, has "great significance".
Mr Cross added: "We have planning rules and regulations, guidelines and principles. We have the freeport designation established with appropriate objectives. Should all this lead to the destruction of accessible wholesome space while we retain polluted, dangerous and unsightly space?" he asked.
"What is the point of a local development plan if it results in the easy option which makes the most money, but doesn't tackle the harder options which make the most sense?
"We need the political will and leadership to turn Invergordon into a great place to live and work, rather than a polluted industrial envelope which contains mostly social housing and entirely surrounded by built on or managed land."
He added that the obvious "win-win" for the town would be to build in brownfield sites.
"The obvious places to build houses in Invergordon are in the derelict areas of the town. That would be the win-win solution. Remove the eyesore, the pollution and the dangers, and create a designed area in easy and safe walking distance to the high street. All of this needs the infrastructure to be repaired and upgraded in advance to support the population increase."
He added that the town needs to invest in its infrastructure now to ensure it gets the most benefit from any potential freeport boom.
"So, if Invergordon, scarred by redundant relics and failed industry, is seen to be a deprived area, which has now been given great opportunity for growth and improvement, the obvious question is what are the best things to do to turn the town into a great place to live and thrive?
"Top of the list has to be education facilities. There are no funds available to replace Invergordon Academy, unlike Alness and Tain. Park Primary School, destroyed by fire, has no prospect of being rebuilt, while the roof of South Lodge primary is said to be 'held together by the moss'. It is in a very poor condition."
Mr Cross added that other areas for improvement are the lack of resident doctors, with local practices doing "amazing" work and boasting "committed" staff, but being left to rely heavily on locums.
"And what about regeneration?" he continued. "Are we going to be allowed to reclaim the polluted land where the Seabank Tanks currently stand and remove a wartime relic and eyesore?"
Continuing with school capacities, he added that: "Some old WW2 fuel tanks were removed from the Cromlet site many years ago, the ground has been reclaimed and the first 35 houses of 95 planned are being built now. Approximately 300 people will live on the Cromlet site and yet our infrastructure, damaged as it is, cannot cope with existing demand."
And he also highlighted the tanks' visual impact: "They form a derelict and dangerous site. Cruise liner passengers look straight at them from the higher decks on the liners."
Responding to the group's general infrastructure concerns, Highland Council – which stressed it cannot comment on individual planning applications while still active – said Invergordon one of only nine towns taking part in the Scottish Government’s Climate Action Town project, adding: "As a result of this work, partners in Invergordon are now working on their own Community Action Plan which will set out aspirations and priorities for the future. We look forward to contributing to and collaborating on this area of work.
They continued: "The new Inner Moray Forth local Development plan has been reviewed over the last couple of years and seeks to ensure that appropriate services and facilities are provided as part of new developments, and proportionate developer contributions secured towards the delivery of wider services. It also sets placemaking priorities for each of the main settlements in the area.
"The council are also looking to take a proactive approach to strategic infrastructure requirements including exploring opportunities for bringing forward the delivery of improvements to the Tomich junction."
