The Highland Council understands that all four objectors to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the West Link project have now informed the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) that they have withdrawn, which is a significant milestone towards confirmation of the CPO.
The Council has been in discussions with all of the landowners and, in particular, those who had objected to the Compulsory Purchase Order for the West Link. These detailed discussions have focused primarily on how the new road may affect their existing or future development interests in the area, and whether there are measures that can be committed to at this stage by the Council, which would reduce these concerns.
Chair of the Council's Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Thomas Prag said: "I’m very pleased that our discussions have proved to be so positive and would like to thank all parties for coming to the table to reach agreement.
“It means we can now get on with our preparations for building the road and paving the way to a better economic future for the area and reduced congestion for the city."
The Council at Committee on the 12th March agreed to progress with The West Link project, together with the re-location of Torvean golf course and the Canal Parks Enhancement Project, to make way for the new road.
Discussions on financial compensation for land will be undertaken independently of the Council by the District Valuer when the CPO has been confirmed.