FLS URGED TO PARK TORLUNDY PLAN
Residents of Torlundy and the surrounding area are appealing to Forestry Land Scotland (FLS) to ditch plans for a 286-space car park adjacent to the current North Face facility.
Accessed from MacKenzie Road, which leaves the A82 at Torlundy, the site currently has 48 spaces and acts as an arrival point into the Leanachan Forest trails network.
FLS now wishes to extend the parking capacity, which it says will ensure the forest road remains as a viable access route to the working forest, that the car parking offer to visitors is of an appropriate standard and to relieve Torlundy of visitor parking.
However, residents are concerned the increased number of spaces will make what they say is a "very bad situation" worse and want FLS to rethink its plans.
In addition Fort William, Inverlochy and Torlundy Community Council (FITCC) members have expressed their concerns over the lack of communication/consultation with residents. A delegation of residents attended its February meeting.
Residents feel they are being ignored by FLS and the following points were noted:
▮ There have been no measures considered regarding the already dangerous situation at the single track railway bridge (which currently operates using sensory traffic lights) and no consideration has been made for walkers and bikers on the pathway which is popular with locals.
▮ Inconsiderate use of the area behind the present car park as a toilet is unhygienic and offensive to other users.
▮ No consideration to the huge increase in traffic and the impact this will have when vehicles leave and access the A82, which is a 60mph zone.
It was agreed by FITCC that this car park extension should not be granted until consultation has taken place with the residents and the concerns addressed.
Torlundy resident Anja Inkson is one of several objectors to the plans which are expected to go before the south planning committee at its March meeting.
“The traffic control measures at the railway bridge and entrance to North Face Car Park track road are dangerous enough as it is without the increased levels of traffic, both foot and motorised,” she said.
As well as the increased traffic on the single track road, Anja and fellow objectors are worried about there being a lack of toilets, litter bins and a first aid station in the plans.
“Maybe the applicant could show goodwill by ensuring that until this process is completed that they keep the existing car park in the area clean and sanitary,” she added.
Addressing some of the concerns this week, Robbie Layden, FLS regional visitor services manager, said: “The aim isn’t really to encourage more people to come but to deal with the pressures of the numbers who are already visiting.
“It’s busy at the best of times and even more so when there are events on in the area.
“In anticipation of getting planning approval and RTIF funding for this phase, we’re working with partners to look at how other amenities could become part of phase two, to further improve the visitor experience to our outdoor capital.”
The plans and an 18-page design and access statement from FLS are available to view on Highland Council’s planning permission page, reference number 22/06211/FUL.