Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the South Planning Applications Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on 12 December 2023 at 10.30 am. 

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter. 

Members are reminded that during determination of any item before this Committee they must be present throughout the whole of that item in order to be entitled to participate. 

Members are further reminded that mobile devices, including mobile phones, can be used for following the agenda/reports and delivering speeches but should not be used for any form of communication (text or tweet) during the meeting. 

Yours faithfully 

Iain Meredith, Acting Principal Solicitor
(for Head of Legal and Governance)

1.    Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2.    Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting.  Any Member making a declaration of interest should provide some information on the nature of the interest and leave the meeting at the appropriate time.  Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3.    Confirmation of Minutes
Dearbhadh a’ Gheàrr-chunntais

There are submitted for confirmation as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the South Planning Applications Committee held on 22 November 2023.

4.    Major Development Update
Iarrtasan Mòra

There is circulated Report No PLS/69/23 by the Area Planning Manager - South which, provides a summary of all cases within the “Major” development category currently with the Planning and Development Service for determination.The report also details progress on proposals submitted under S36 or S37 of the Electricity Act 1989 on which the Council is consulted.

The Committee is invited to note the current position of these applications.

5.    Major Developments – Pre-application consultations
Leasachaidhean Mòra – Co-chomhairle Ro-iarrtais
                               
5.1 
Description: Replacement of existing Kilmorack Substation comprising: access track, fenced platform area incorporating control building, transformers, plant and infrastructure, associated ancillary facilities, temporary construction compound and laydown area(s) (where required), alongside drainage and landscaping requirements (23/05130/PAN) (PLS/70/23)
Ward: 12
Applicant: SSE
Site Address: Land 100m NE of Caulternich, Kilmorack, Beauly.

5.2 
Description: Substation extension comprising; platform extension and erection of substation buildings, associated plant and infrastructure, associated ancillary development, drainage infrastructure, temporary construction compound and laydown area(s) as required, access improvements and landscape requirements (National Development) (23/05293/PAN) (PLS/71/23)
Ward: 12
Applicant: The Highland Council 
Site Address: Land 325m SW of Whitebridge Cottage, Auchterawe, Fort Augustus

6.    Planning Applications to be Determined
Iarrtasan Dealbhaidh rin Dearbhadh

There are circulated Reports Nos PLS/72/23 to PLS/75/23 by the Area Planning Manager - South which are as follows:-

6.1 
Applicant: The Highland Council (23/02722/FUL) (PLS/72/23)
Location: Land 90m East of Recycling Centre, Ben Nevis Drive, Ben Nevis Industrial Estate, Fort William (Ward 21). 
Nature of Development: Construction of a waste transfer facility including steel frame shed, welfare unit, hard standing areas, access road, parking, drainage and skip storage areas.
Recommendation: Grant 
    
6.2 
Applicant: Hercules Unit Trust (23/03015/FUL) (PLS/73/23)
Location: Everlast Fitness Club, Eastfield Way, Inverness (Ward 16).
Nature of Development: Change of use of health and fitness centre to ten-pin bowling centre and indoor inflatable activity course with associated bar and dining facilities and amusements.
Recommendation: Grant 
        
6.3 
Applicant: Springfield Properties PLC (23/00520/FUL) (PLS/74/23)
Location: Land At Drum Farm South of Fire Station, Drumnadrochit (Ward 12).
Nature of Development: Amended drainage strategy (in retrospect).
Recommendation: Grant 
        
6.4 
Applicant: Springfield Properties PLC (23/00532/FUL and 23/00533/FUL) (PLS/75/23)
Location: Land at Drum Farm, South of Fire Station, Drumnadrochit (Ward 12).
Nature of Development: Remix house types (21/03612/FUL).
Recommendation: Grant (both applications)   

7.    Decision of Appeals to the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division                                  
Co-dhùnadh mu Iarrtas do Bhuidheann-stiùiridh Riaghaltas na h-Alba airson Lùth agus Atharrachadh Aimsir

7.1 
Applicant: Mr C Wares and Mrs D Wares (20/00967/FUL) (NOD-270-002)
Location: land north-west of Kings Stable Cottage, Westhill, Inverness, IV2 5BP (Ward 19)
Nature of Development: Erection of a farmhouse.  

The Committee is invited to note the decision of Scottish Ministers to agree with the Reporter’s recommendation and refuse planning permission, for the reasons summarised in the Reporter’s report.