Councillors approve plans for large hotel to replace Ironworks
Following a casting vote, they narrowly voted in favour to grant a motion to approve proposals
Last updated 18th Aug 2022
An Inverness music venue is set to be demolished, after plans to replace it with a 155-bed hotel were approved.
Seven councillors voted in favour to grant planning permission, seven voted against and one abstained.
This left South Planning Committee Chair Thomas MacLennan with the deciding vote, with him granting the application.
It paves the way for developers Bricks Capital to build the £30 million Courtyard by Marriott hotel and replace the Academy street venue.
"I can't support it, but have no means of opposing it"
Several councillors voiced their concerns over the plans.
Councillor Isabelle Mackenzie said: “It is over towering what is there already.
"I feel it’s totally inappropriate.
"It’s an over development of a constrained area. In this day and age, do we yet need another hotel of that scale?
Councillor Ken Gowans added: "This site is so important, we should be looking for a signature building.
"Not just yet another hotel, a signature building.
"An opportunity would be lost if we don’t do that."
Other councillors were struggling to find reasons to reject the plans.
Councillor Michael Cameron said: "I’m not sure really sure if there is an awful lot more I can say on this.
"I can’t support it as it is, but I have no means of opposing it."
South Planning Committee Chair, Councillor Thomas MacLennan said: “There’s been no ring-fencing as a cultural function, and I don’t get any particular joy out of the decision, but I agree the recommendation of the planning officer.
There was confusion during the meeting as Green Councillor Chris Ballance was allowed to speak during the debate, but then later told he could not vote in the matter, as he was not present during June's committee meeting when the decision was deferred.
He was told his comments had to be disregarded, which led to fellow councillors offering to say his speech on his behalf.
Following a lengthy adjournment, the vote was split evenly leaving Chair Councillor Thomas MacLennan to make the final call to vote for the motion.
He rounded off the vote by saying: "What a day it has been."
Ironworks and hotel developers Bricks Capital have issued statements following the decision.