Joint Press Statement from ASDA and The Highland Council
The Highland Council and ASDA have today [Wednesday 2nd September] announced that they have reached an agreement which will enable the proposed new supermarket in Inverness to proceed without delay. The issue of the proposed traffic mitigation measures has now been resolved with both the parties coming to an amicable agreement. It has been agreed that road improvements will be undertaken if there is clear evidence that the new store results in increased traffic congestion.
The Council had until Tuesday 1 September to lodge an appeal to the Court of Session against the decision by Scottish Ministers to approve the proposals without requiring a contribution for the road works. The Council has decided not to appeal after reaching agreement with ASDA.
It has been agreed that if it is demonstrated that the opening of the store results in increased congestion beyond agreed levels, ASDA will contribute £1.5 million towards the costs of road improvements at the Inshes Roundabout and the A9/B9006 slip road.
Council Convener Sandy Park said he was delighted that an amicable agreement had been reached with ASDA. He said: “This agreement is a win:win situation. Shoppers will be pleased that there will be no delay to the progress of the store being built. At the same time, the Council Tax payer can be assured that ASDA will contribute towards road improvements if it is established that the opening of the store has resulted in a quantifiable increase in traffic congestion at the two pinch points.
“I would like to pay tribute to officials of the Council and ASDA for all their efforts in concluding this satisfactory agreement.”
ASDA’s Property Communications Manager for Scotland, Lisa Rooke, said:
"ASDA is pleased that as a result of the constructive talks that have taken place with The Highland Council over the last two weeks we have been able to reach an agreement that will allow us to move forward with our plans for a new store in Inverness without further delay."