Inverness South & Inverness Millburn Ward Forum
Action Note of Ward Forum held on 20 November, 2008, at Inshes Church at 7.30p.m.
Attendees
Cllr John Holden
Cllr Thomas Prag
Cllr Ian Brown
Cllr Jimmy Gray
Cllr Kenneth MacLeod
Sam MacNaughton – Head of Transport & Infrastructure – Highland Council
Malcolm MacLeod – Development Plans Manager – Highland Council
Stuart Black – Director of Planning & Development – Highland Council
Chief Inspector Julian Innes – Northern Constabulary
David Haas – City Manager – Highland Council(Chair)
Apologies:
Councillor Jim Crawford
Councillor Roy Pedersen
Agenda
1. Community Safety Update – Julian Innes
Issues of Anti-Social Behaviour
- Public places – under age drinking
- Private places – residential disputes getting out of order
2. A Presentation on the Inverness Trunk Link Road Project
Presentation by Sam MacNaughton, Malcolm MacLeod & Stuart Black.
The presentation advised on the comments received by the Project Team after the 1st Public Consultation and these included alternative proposals for a new road line to the south of Inverness; variations on the proposed route through the Inshes retail park; concerns about local access and access from local roads to the A9; and concerns about pedestrian access. Planning issues raised by the public were addressed also.
Information on the alternatives was presented together with an update on what work has still to be carried out and considerations regarding funding and project delivery.
Questions from the audience were invited after the presentation as follows:-
Q: What is the cost to Highland Council of employing Scott Wilson?
A: Preliminary Design could be 2% of the total scheme works cost.
Q: A cost analysis of the different route proposals would help the public choose the preferred route.
A: A key aspect of the assessment is the soils analysis which will alter costs and land values and routes. The information from the soils assessment is awaited.
Q: Consideration should be given to Environmental aspects of proposed routes i.e. livestock
A: All livestock & wildlife which could be affected by the routes will be taken into account.
Q: When original southern distributor road was done, the public were told at the time that there would be no further work carried out until the West Link was developed.
A: The final decision has been left to Transport Scotland as to which end of the road is taken forward first and in what order.
Q: What is the total cost of the Inverness Trunk Link Road at Inshes and the Canal.
A: £120 Million (however the Project Team are still awaiting final costs after receiving the soils analysis information)
Q: Are we no further forward on choosing an approved route?
A: Not looking for a preferred option from this evening, but want to take into account all opinions.
Q: If funding is not secured from Scottish Government what will happen? Is there a Plan B?
A: There is no Plan B. Hopefully Transport Scotland will take on the project, with its related issues and costs.
Q: Infra-structure needs to be in place – consultation process mustn’t just be an exercise.
A: This is reflected in the 2nd Consultation taking place.
Q: Why not take the route further south at Milton of Leys or Daviot and link to A96 at Balloch?
A: The South route is not realistic in scheme delivery terms. ITLR must remain in the Inshes area to address the traffic problems and funding has to come from Scottish Government.
Q: Is there room for new ideas? If not then how many of the ideas from the first consultation are viable?
A: Will be taking suggestions that are viable and working up Engineers reports on these options. Where options were not viable, we are talking with the people involved to explain why not.
NEXT STEPS:
- Public Exhibition / Display was held on 21/11/08 with a project handout available
- Responses to any comments that are recorded at the exhibition and submitted subsequently.
- All comments will in due course be passed on to Transport Scotland.
- The Website has details of all the proposals: (www.highland.gov.uk/ITLR2 )