Approval denied for hotel and business park project at Tore

Plans for a 61-room hotel and a business park in the village of Tore on the Black Isle have been turned down by Highland councillors. Springfield Properties had applied for planning permission in principle for the development, which also included a park-and-ride facility.

Despite planning officials recommending approval, the north planning applications committee sided with Independent councillor Sarah Atkin, who moved to refuse consent. Atkin cited concerns over traffic management and drainage, and expressed doubts about the projects potential benefits for the local community.

The council received 14 objections regarding the development, with critics highlighting road safety issues and the scale of the proposed project. Council officers noted that there were feasible solutions to address traffic concerns.

The proposed site is located between the A835 road and a national cycle route to the north, and the A832 to the south, with the A9s Tore roundabout situated to the east.

Reporting by local democracy journalist Olivia Andrews.

Author: Sophia Brooks