The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Fury as office remains at site of ‘sacred’ battlefield
Anger: Locals and councillors say housing developer flouted planning laws
Furious locals and councillors have blasted a housing developer for putting up a sales office for its controversial development near Culloden Moor without planning permission – and leaving it there after planning permission was refused.
Kirkwood Homes’ sales office is for its Viewhill development, within the Culloden Moor Conservation Area and is only around 300 yards to the north east of the famous battlefield.
The development had a fraught passage to final planning approval, amid vigorous campaigning from around the world by those keen to preserve and protect the site.
The Inverurie firm placed the temporary portable sales office on the C1028 Culloden Road last summer. After carrying out statutory consultations, Highland Council planners refused consent on December 17 – but almost a month later, the cabin is still in position.
The planners say the cabin, intended to be in position for two years, changes the character of the area, but its impact will be temporary. Their main concern is the site’s visibility from the road and stopping sight distances.
They have twice asked Kirkwood for speed surveys and have had no response.
KirkwoodHomessaid yesterday no one was available for comment.
Irate local councillor Duncan Macpherson said: “How could a big developer like Kirkwood Homes think they can flout planning laws like this? We should send a strong message that we’re watching all developers and a strong disincentive by doubling the charges.”
Chairman of Balloch Community Council Ian Williams said: “I think it’s an insult to the public and the council to just stick it there without planning permission – they know the rules.”
Councillor Andrew Jarvie said the developer showed a “callous disregard” towards the site, adding: “There is nothing more frustrating than companies and individuals who think they can strut about the Highlands doing as they please and treat planning as a formality.”
Objector Patricia Robertson told planners she was highly concerned.
She said: “How is it possible that a sacred and historic Scottish heritage site like Culloden Battlefield, do not get the respect they deserve.
“It urgently needs to be in peace for our Scottish heritage, the brave fallen and of course our future generations. It is still a pilgrimage place for many.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “The council is in the process of considering the best course of action to resolve this breach of planning control.”