Council rejects plans for Cameron Square

Plans to erect a canopy above Cameron Square in Fort William have taken a knock as Highland Council said it would be ‘unable to recommend’ the group’s plans.

Fort William Town Team (FWTT) resurrected its ambitions to build a permanent retractable canopy across the busy square earlier this year after members’ original ideas were turned down by the planning department last year.

The latest design comprised a retractable ‘goalpost’-shaped structure concreted into Cameron Square, from which two folding-arm awnings can be extended to provide shelter. However, at a recent meeting, FWTT volunteers and committee members were informed of Highland Council’s response to their latest bid.

It was reported Christine Millard of Highland Council’s planning department said she would be ‘unable to recommend approval of the proposal’. However, the council ‘remains supportive of the principle of a covered space at Cameron Square’.

FWTT member Sarah Kennedy has arranged a meeting with the council roads department to discuss the plans further.

Mrs Kennedy also said she had been in discussion with Angus MacDonald, the new proprietor of the former cinema building in the square, who plans to demolish the existing structure and build a modern cinema. Mrs Kennedy said Mr MacDonald would ‘not be keen’ to have a canopy design that obscures the front of the building.

FWTT is now drawing up alternative designs for a more permanent retractable canopy.