New community woodland, recreation & food growing area set for Inverness after Community Asset Transfer agreed

The Communities and Place Committee today (22 May 2024) approved a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of land on the edge of Inverness which will be transformed into a community woodland, orchard, allotments, food growing areas and pathways for recreation and leisure.

Balvonie Park Association applied to Highland Council for the Community Asset Transfer of two fields between the Braes of Balvonie, Inverness and the A9 trunk road.  They wish to develop the land, which is currently countryside, into a vibrant and vital resource for the community.

The Association has secured funding from SSEN to support the proposed developments and have prepared supporting plans such as the Woodland Operational Creation Plan, Project Plan, and Environmental Risk Assessment, with the former having received formal endorsement of compliance from Scottish Forestry.

Chair of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie, said: “The approval of this forward-thinking Community Asset Transfer application, underlines the Council’s commitment to its ‘Our Future Highland’ programme, which aims to help build resilient and sustainable communities and a sustainable Highland environment.

“The proposed use of this land will not only have a positive impact on biodiversity in the area, but also provide vital food growing areas, allotments and opportunities for recreation and leisure.”

He added: “Successful community asset transfers like this are extremely positive for our communities and the Council remains committed to enabling increased community ownership, which is not only a Scottish national outcome, but a priority for Highland Council.

“Community asset transfers contribute to one of the Council’s key strategic priorities which aims to encourage community-led and run services involving more people in local decision making.”

The approval of today’s Community Asset Transfer is an example of how Highland Council’s Growing our Future – Community Food Growing Strategy is helping support community groups in accessing Council land through simple agreements, such as leases and licences to occupy.

Highland Council’s Growing Our Future – Community Food Growing Annual Report can be viewed at Item 8 of the report to today’s Communities and Place Committee.

Balvonie Park Association’s plans aim to encourage food growing by the community, generate income from allotments/food growing areas, and the development of community and education spaces for use by local businesses.

Community Asset Transfer requests can be made under the Community Empowerment Act and the application approved today by Councillors is subject to terms of transfer.

Details on community asset transfers in Highland and how to apply for them can be found on the council’s website at: www.highland.gov.uk/cat or please email cat@highland.gov.uk

Map of the area at Braes of Balvonie