Green light for Council to proceed with Carrbridge Compulsory Purchase Order
Highland Councillors have given their backing for the raising of a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the Struan House Hotel in Carrbridge which has lain empty since it closed 15 years ago.
The Order is to be applied for under Sections 9 and 10 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 and the future plan is for the council to develop the land into much needed affordable housing for the benefit of the local community.
Convenor, Cllr Bill Lobban whose ward the derelict hotel is in said: “The building which sits in a prominent position is not only an eyesore but is in such sever disrepair that it has become a potential hazard due to damage caused by rain water, break-ins and vandalism. In its hay-day it was at the heart of the village but as each week goes by it steadily deteriorates more and more. The key site deserves to be given a new lease of life, so I am delighted that the meeting today unanimously backed the Compulsory Purchase Order.
“Whilst it may be some time before we see the entire area redeveloped this should give local residents the assurance that before too long, we will see the old Struan Hotel replaced with homes for local families to live in.”
The Council has a draft Strategic Housing Plan for 2021-2026 that sets out The Council’s key housing investment priorities and demonstrates how they will be delivered for development across Highland.
The Plan, which has been submitted to the Scottish Government for their approval, also identifies the resources required to deliver new homes and outlines the partnership approach with housing associations and developers to achieve the Council’s commitment to providing more quality affordable housing across the Highlands.
Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson said: “In our wider enabling role, our staff work hard to bringing forward sites for re-development throughout the Highlands, such as this one in Carrbridge. I look forward to the day when we take over ownership and work can start to transform the site for the benefit of the community.”