Torvean Caravan Park, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 8JL

The subject property offers an exciting opportunity to redevelop a key gateway site as you enter Inverness from the west along the A82. The site enjoys excellent views and open outlook over the adjoining Caledonian Canal and Tomnahurich Swing Bridge. The site is currently divided into 3 sections. At the front there is a former petrol filling station which is now closed. There is an old forecourt canopy still in place. The old garage shop remains in place although it is boarded up. Surrounding the petrol filling station is a front caravan sales area. This is secured by palisade fencing to the front with a main access off a side road connecting onto the A82. In the centre of the sales area is a small shop unit. The remainder of the site is covered in loose stone chippings and is used for the storage and display of caravans. The rear of the site is currently used as a caravan park. There is a separate access leading past the sales area into the caravan park. This also connects onto a road linking to the A82. In general the
caravan park is flat with the majority being laid to grass incorporating a figure of 8 access road and individual pitches for caravans each served by electricity and water hook ups. There are 2 separate toilet and shower blocks and a small site office. The caravan park is screened by mature trees on 3 elevations with an open outlook towards the Caledonian Canal footpath and over the canal itself. We understand the existing caravan park benefits from electricity and water connections.

Location

Inverness is the capital city of the Highlands and is the administrative centre for the entire region. It is a popular tourist destination with a population of around 65,000 people and benefits from a wider catchment area of around 350,000. The subjects occupy a prominent gateway position as you enter Inverness on the A82 from the west. The site enjoys excellent frontage onto the A82 before you cross Tomnahurich Swing Bridge heading towards Inverness city centre which lies approximately 1 and a half miles to the east. The subject site is bounded to the north by Torvean Golf Course, to the east by the Caledonian Canal with Tomnahurich Cemetery beyond, to the south by the A82 road with Torvean Golf Course beyond and to the west by the new Premier Inn hotel and restaurant due to open in early 2012.

Accommodation

The property is currently zoned in the Local Plan under Policy BP3 – where the Council presume against development particularly where there would be damage to heritage, amenity or public health. The adjacent canal towpath and Caledonian Canal is a site of special scientific interest. The site was subject to a previous planning application in 2009 in respect of a residential development comprising the construction of 81 flats spread across 6 blocks and incorporating affordable houses, amenity open space and car parking. The application was recommended for approval subject to a Section 75 Agreement which was not formalised at that time. A copy of the previous planning application can be made available to interested parties. Given the prominence of the site it may have potential for redevelopment for residential, care home, car showroom or retail use, subject to securing planning consent. All planning queries should be directed to The Highland Council Planning Department.

Terms

Offers are invited for the heritable interest with vacant possession (equivalent to English Freehold) in respect of the site.