Strathpeffer park, paths and community hub bid wins planning approval
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A VISION to dramatically transform an area at the heart of a Ross-shire village to the benefit of residents and visitors alike has been endorsed by Highland Council, paving the way for the dream to become reality.
Plans for a phased development of a network of footpaths, play areas, a zip wire, pump bike track and raised planter beds on a neglected area of land at Ord Terrace in Strathpeffer won the approval of a Ross-shire planning committee.
It marks a major milestone in a five-year campaign driven by a succession of volunteers who believe it can become a community hub capable of bringing people together, enhancing leisure options and tackling social isolation.
While councillors acknowledged amenity concerns from some residents in the village, they agreed with planning officials that it should be endorsed. It means that when a community transfer of the land asset from Highland Council eventually goes through, bids for the £300,000-plus funding needed to bring it to fruition can begin in earnest.
Ward councillor Derek MacLeod said: "I think the whole thing is a great enhancement to what is there already. Strathpeffer is very fortunate to have such an area central to the village and accessible from the community centre and the school. I would support it whole-heartedly.”
His colleague Biz Campbell acknowledged some local concerns over parking but said: "It is a big improvement to that area of ground, it will get drainage put in and children can walk the path to school.”
Planning officer Dorothy Stott said the drainage works would take six to eight months and be challenging but an important part of the project. She said: "If it is very important that it is done carefully and doesn’t adversely impact the rest of the village. The rest of the construction wouldn’t take that long.”
Dave Genney of Strathpeffer Residents Association said volunteers were delighted to have their hard work endorsed and noted a number of local businesses had also backed the bid as good news for the village.
He said a wider village plan vision was now beginning to take shape.
The development was given fresh impetus when several items of children's play park equipment near the school was fenced off on health and safety grounds. He said at that time: "We deserve better."
The transfer of the land required from Highland Council is the next part of the process to unlock the path to potential funders going forward.
Related: 'We deserve better' call at park equipment moved from Strathpeffer
Massive vote of confidence for Strathpeffer park plan
