Inverness West Link: Permission sought for sports hub

Highland Council says the road is needed to ease travel across Inverness

Highland Council has sought planning permission in principle for four projects associated with the controversial Inverness West Link road.

The local authority wants to relocate Torvean Golf Course, create a new sports hub and parkland at Torvean and extend Kilvean Cemetery.

The public has until 17 February to comment on the application.

The road has been proposed as a way of easing travel across Inverness. The route is opposed by a local campaign.

Campaigners say the West Link will lead to the loss of green space.

Last month, Sportscotland criticised Highland Council for the "lack of clarity" over its plans to relocate sports facilities affected by the road.

The national agency said the route would impact on a golf course and rugby pitches.

It also said the council had "failed to understand and assess" the effect that a planned new bridge over the Caledonian Canal would have on a rowing club that uses the waterway.

Sportscotland said the local authority needed to provide detailed information on replacement facilities planned.

Highland Council said it recognised the needs of local sports clubs.