Delays to decision on controversial Inverness hotel plans
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A DECISION on controversial plans for a new hotel on a prime riverside site in Inverness has been delayed by up to two months as a Scottish Government reporter continues to consider the project.
Plans for the 168-bedroom Moxy Hotel at the site of the former Glebe Street swimming pool were narrowly voted down last September. Dutch property company Vastint subsequently lodged an appeal.
Reporter Robert Maslin, who has been appointed to consider the case, was expected to issue his decision by this week but is now targetting May for a decision.
Mr Maslin has made an unaccompanied visit to the site which has lain derelict since 2000 and he has also requested further information such as details on the proposed external materials to help him visualise the appearance of the building.
Glasgow-based Keppie Design, which is acting for Vastint, previously maintained the plans should be approved as they met the requirements for hotel development outlined in Highland Council’s development plan.
A Scottish Government spokesman confirmed the target date had been amended as the reporter had requested more written submissions on the appeal.
