Scotland’s public service ombudsman is investigating whether the Highland Housing Fair — to be built on a greenbelt site near Inverness and involving sustainable homes by 24 architects including Graeme Massie, Richard Murphy, Malcolm Fraser, Studio Kap and Nord — correctly followed planning procedures.
According to a report in Building Design, if it finds serious problems, the ombudsman could recommend that the fair, designs for which were selected through a major RIAS competition, be resubmitted for planning following the approval of Cadell 2’s masterplan earlier this month.
“To be blunt, the process has been flawed from the start,” local Scottish Labour councillor John Holden said. “The committee council [for Inverness South] was not consulted. Everything was pushed through at the expense of local democracy, the views of local people were not allowed to be expressed. It leaves a bitter taste.”
Planning applications for individual houses on the site are due to be considered in March and work could start by April. The fair is to be held in August 2009.
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