Inverness retail park restaurants appeal dismissed

Three major food chains were interested in taking on three of the restaurants

A developer has failed in a bid to overturn Highland Council's decision to refuse planning permission for new restaurants at a retail park.

Inverness Estates had sought permission in principle for the sites at its Inverness Retail and Business Park.

However, the proposals were rejected by Highland Council

The company's appeal against that decision has now been dismissed by a Scottish government-appointed planning official.

Frankie and Benny's, McDonald's and Chiquito's were interested in occupying three of the four planned premises.

The reporter's reasons for rejecting the appeal included concerns about the potential impact of the new restaurants on businesses in Inverness city centre.

In addition, the land involved is zoned for offices rather than food outlets in Highland Council's local plan.

Similar proposals were refused by the local authority and Scottish government in 2011.