Local people up in arms over plan to build on Capel Inch

AN application for planning permission to build a large 3-storey building on the Anderson Street play park has seen much concern - and even anger - in the area.
And at last month’s meeting of Merkinch Community Council, which a number of local residents attended, there was an often heated discussion with tempers being raised, accusations and even abuse hurled, and red herrings much in evidence.

The application came from Cairn Housing Association which wishes to build nine family-sized flats plus support accommodation surrounded by a 1.8 metre wall, for a new £700,000 Wom-en’s Aid centre. The present play park - the only one in the area - would be moved to the far corner of the site on the Capel Inch.

Donnie Kerr kicked off with criticism of how Highland Council had mishandled the application and allowed Cairn Housing to go ahead with it before any local consultation.
The first anyone knew about the plan was when the neighbour notification was delivered, leaving very little time to object. In a week over 400 people had signed a petition against the development which is contrary to the Local Plan. There was also some question as to the ownership of the land.
Councillor Peter Corbett said that he had told them there would be problems in putting up such a substantial building, but that they could always “suck it and see”.
Councillor Chrissie Cumming explained for the benefit of the public that anyone could put in a planning application, even if they did not own a site. Both made it clear that they were on the Council to represent the views of local people and they would do so.
Community council chairman Ally MacLean said that the way the matter had been handled was not perhaps the best way and that Cairn Housing should have consulted with local people first.
Anne McCreadie pointed out that so far the application had gone through normal procedure. “We have the right to object,” she said. “We’re discussing it now. “This is not the time to take to the streets with petitions,” she stressed. The time to get angry is later.” Councillor Corbett, “I would like to make sure the message goes out from this meeting that we are not against Women’s Aid. Members all agreed, and community council secretary Alec Macleod said that it was a blot on the escutcheon of any society that refuges were needed and that the local councillors should not be subjected to the abuse they had received.

It was unanimously agreed that the community council was against granting planning permission for the project and that they would send a letter of objection.