AA VISIONVISION :: 20302030 LLèirsinnèirsinn :: 20302030 magine Drumnadrochit in 2030 …a lively, competitive rural centre in the This newspaper has been prepared hinterland of one of ’s most dynamic City-regions, thriving on its to stimulate discussion with “the I associations with and continuing to draw visitors from across the community” about the future of globe. This is a community where the foresight and resolve of local people Drumnadrochit. The intention is to some 25 years ago began to lay the foundations for a sustainable future: a inform choices and the local place with real prospects, able to regenerate and where the pace and quality development plan, to be prepared and reviewed every 5 years. of change has kept the local character and appeal. In particular, it: The main village thoroughfare is a Shifting the trunk road with a new ™ presents a vision of the village busy, colourful mix of commercial bridge over the River Enrick will 25 years from now as a basis and community facilities, centrally transform the village centre and bring for dialogue on important located and easily accessible. An an air of tranquility to the “green”: a planning issues; and array of local shops and services, more attractive meeting place for ™ sets out the actions needed to small businesses, health centre/ people. This would complement the prepare for related services, surgery, recycling facilities, housing new commercial “gateway” with its infrastructure and amenities. and tourist attractions have located at village “format” supermarket, small The vision draws upon ideas and new focal and crossing points. New enterprise park, housing advice generated at workshops held roundabouts at key locations calm accommodation and transport locally on 8th June and 11th Sept traffic and connect with an adjusted terminus, which is developing around 2006 (see www..gov.uk/ network of local “loop” roads serving a new square. This is a key drum-workshops.htm). These the distinct village communities connection for community bus brought together community and Kilmore, Lewiston, Allanmore- services to , agency “interests” to examine Pitkerrald and Balmaccaan. The A82 and the National Park entry point at options, consider shared objectives is altogether a more attractive tree- . and work collaboratively. lined boulevard, safer with segregated pedestrian and cyclist routes. First Prize “Drumnadrochit Futures” Illustrations Competition: Christine Graham, age 14

Drumnadrochit Futures 1 here are genuine choices for Discrete groups of trees, once regarded as development land, allowing the immutable but modified in return for wider Building the Vision Tvillage to grow in several directions local benefits - such as additional cemetery This vision presents a view as to how simultaneously and above the vulnerable space and better connections - have recovered local assets might be harnessed to river flood plains. Particular emphasis has in the village setting, compensated in part influence the direction in which the been placed on the grain of the community, by an active programme of community-led village might evolve. It brings together restoring the street character and enhancements. The community audit planning principles and shared community connecting open “buffers”. Pressure to records increased levels of bio-diversity aspirations founded on the following “fill” these open lands with urban style year-on-year. themes (see diagrams back page): “blocks” and concentrating building in one location at a time, have been firmly nderpinned by strong design Principles principles, careful controls and local resisted: the preference, to carefully ™ setting - strengthening the landscape distribute and phase development. The Uexpectations about the rate of structure and protecting sites market has responded positively to local house-building, the community is regarded designated for their heritage needs, helping to strike a balance of housing as a model in sustainability. Development importance. Reinforcing a lattice of and green space. The individual identities blends seamlessly with the structure and woodland and trees, afforested of Lewiston, Kilmore, Balmaccaan, Kilmichael shape of the village, protecting its setting backdrop, fields and hedges to give and Milton have strengthened as they and within the capacity of local service shelter and containment, a context have adjusted to changing demands. The networks. Areas not suitable for for local routes, and views in and out development are locally managed for community is now better integrated and ™ connections - a legible, cohesive expansion towards Allanmore-Pitkerrald agriculture, forestry, recreation and community, safe and easy to move has blended in successfully. conservation. Fully utilised green corridors around, with direct pedestrian/cycle provide for wildlife habitats, amalgamated routes and other key linkages eoples’ concerns about over- farms, allotments, a community garden, protected. Schools, medical facilities, development have subsided as the new woodlands and outdoor leisure. post office, hall, shops and other predominantly linear communities amenities preferably within 10-15 P ourtesy of anti-flood measures these have tended towards a mix of traditional minutes walk also support a golf course straddling and innovative building styles. A choice of fit - developing the glen floor and the river and flood plain, its clubhouse ™ accommodation in various sizes, forms C reinforcing the linear settlement and visitor facilities assembled with new and tenures is available. Important form, balancing building land and village parking and a reception point for associations are being established, intervening green “buffers”, and walks. A valuable “community” woodland notably housing for the elderly in close maximizing exposure to daylight. The is evolving downstream of the village centre proximity to community care facilities; 30-60m contours represent the limits and a further recreation ground is doubling- and young single households in easy reach for most “community” development up as a new venue for the Highland Games. of social and transport services. Affordable viability - promoting sites capable of Again, particular emphasis is laid on ™ homes are a significant feature across the being developed economically. restoring continuous access and treed community, fostering a healthy social mix These will be outwith the flood plain, corridors. An orbital system of core paths of residents in all age-groups and helping close to infrastructure networks, at stretches along and over the Enrick, to retain younger adults. The village nodal or vantage points or where wrapping around the village and extending remains a walkable place, housing directly feasible, “brownfield” opportunities into the higher ground and recreational linked and close, to daily needs. arise; forests beyond. The oaks have been replanted to restore a key feature on the Community Priorities he community schools built and A82 approaches. As the village has grown, refurbished 25 years ago are the land is increasingly vested for all time with ™ by-passing the village centre to Tcentre of gravity for social activities. the community. Much of the heritage is reduce the divisive effects of the A82, extend shops, businesses and It has proved wise to have retained space held locally in Trust, enabling the village to services and protect development for expanding facilities. Long term “tap” into the Social Enterprise Lottery from flooding planning also enabled timeous upgrading Fund to replenish amenities. of the waste water drainage system as ™ a network of paths, cycle and part of the 2010-2014 programme; and he entire scene is of a vibrant safer routes around the village for the layout of housing to integrate with community occupying the lower through and into new community community transport and kerbside Treaches of the glen, its traditional woodlands and alongside more recycling services. The emergency “visitor gateways” at Borlum and by the attractive thoroughfares services now operate from locations free Monster Exhibitions, wonderfully framed in ™ homes located at a choice of sites, from flood risk. views from the main vantage points on the connected to facilities, keeping pace Way, by the bounding hills and with the local character. Developing areful landscape adjustments have Craigmonie. That it is able to absorb a linear streets on the “higher” ground with adjoining open fields created links across several raised wind-energy scheme is a mark of the Cbeaches, leaving the entire village standards of design expected and the ™ new services and amenities, better connected, including by a network of sustainable principles on which the particularly a health centre, golf lit paths and informal walks - safer routes community has developed. Drumnadrochit course and open space. - to the main focal and activity points. 2030 … a confident place, its future safe in the hands of local people.

2 Drumnadrochit Futures Drumnadrochit Futures 3 AACTIONSCTIONS Gnìomhan ction on a number of fronts is required to begin to bring this vision about and to ensure that infrastructure, services, transport and environmental Amanagement priorities are integrated and able to allow any part of the vision to proceed at any time - subject to the local development plan. The following actions are expressed as recommendations to partners and to stimulate or build upon community initiatives.

Action 1: Water Action 3: Trunk Road he water supply to Drumnadrochit is ealignment of the A82 around the presently sourced from Loch Nam Bat village centre will require to be taken and the River Coiltie, and delivered Rforward as a capital trunk road T improvement by the Scottish Government. through separate treatment and storage plants at Upper Drumbuie and Boglashin. It is to undertake a Route Action Plan for the Scottish Water proposes to amalgamate A82 between Inverness and Fort William, these systems and to supply Drumnadrochit likely to proceed in 2008-09 as part of a - as a whole - from its source and treatment Strategic Road Review programme. Any facilities at Glenconvinth/Loch Buich, opportunity for improvement of the A82 at enabled by strategic improvements to the Drumnadrochit which might emerge, will be Loch Assynt supply (Easter Ross) to Beauly. subject to STAG (Scottish Transport The recently installed village trunk mains Assessment Guidelines) appraisal and and retained/improved storage facilities at consideration of any potential economic Coiltie and Loch Nam Bat have enabled the and social benefits. This vision enables a recommendation to be made to the Scottish Highly Commended: temporary moratorium on development to Sarah-Louise Pocock, age 12 be “lifted”. A revised Water Order to secure Government/Transport Scotland that the supply for the longer-term will not be consideration be given to realignment of the accomplished until after 2010. It is A82 at Drumnadrochit as part of the A82 recommended that Scottish Water give Route Action Plan. priority to any related procedures.

Action 2: Waste Action 4: Flood Water Protection urther to a major upgrade to n 2005-06 the Consultants Jacobs Baptie accommodate development at were commissioned - by the “SAFER” FKilmore, the Waste Water Treatment Iproject, with the Forestry Commission as Works is understood to offer capacity for lead agency - to prepare a hydrological the equivalent of 200+ additional houses. model and flood risk assessment of the Whilst it may need also to serve River Enrick. The Council wishes to work development outwith the village, the works with the community and agency partners to are expected to satisfy anticipated house- explore the scope for cost effective flood building over the next 5 years and beyond. mitigation in order to assist in reducing the A flow/capacity study by Scottish Water will vulnerability of land and property to flooding. Third Prize “Drumnadrochit Futures” enable these assumptions to be reviewed at It is anticipated that possible options may Illustrations Competition: Sarah Wilson, age 12 an early date. With Scottish Water’s capital include land management and engineering programme set out in a four-yearly cycle, measures, and that the regulatory authorities further investment at Drumnadrochit should SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage will be be planned for the period 2010-2014. involved in consideration of their effects on Provision should be made to double the the environment. Adherence with statutory capacity of the works in the longer term and procedures and Environmental Assessment to adjust the 90m. “buffer” to neighbouring may be necessary depending on the nature property accordingly. The capability of the of any works, and it may be necessary to village mains network to connect future phase these over a number of years. Glen development to the WwTW will be subject Urquhart Community Council is to facilitate to a Network Capacity Study. It is a “community workshop” as a first step. recommended that this should be tackled comprehensively and jointly by affected landowners/developers and the housing agencies.

4 Drumnadrochit Futures Action 5: Health Action 7: GREEN Centre FRAMEWORK he surgery is too small to meet local ommunity support is emerging for a needs and the Highland Health Board range of public access, recreational Thas considered different finance options Cprojects and environmental for the provision of extra accommodation. improvements. These could embrace Whilst the most likely scenario appears to public access, community woodland/tree involve expansion/redevelopment of the planting, golf course and other existing facilities, it is conceivable - as part of a enhancement. Land and routes might be Highly Commended: Samuel Gill, age 14 growing community - that a new health centre secured in connection with the Core Path may be required at some point in the future. Network Plan - which the Council has a It is appropriate to consider where this might statutory responsibility to prepare and be located. The options include a facility as which will be accompanied by an Action part of an expanding “village centre” or at an Plan in its own right - and by landowner alternative “nodal” position, for example agreements relating to the use of reserved adjoining the bowling green (Pitkerrald Road); green “buffers”. There could be substantial adjacent to the existing surgery, or beside the local benefit in co-ordinating related Glenurquhart Centre. It is recommended that initiatives particularly in terms of the Highland Health Board (Community community consultation, deciding Health Partnership) encourage NHS Highland priorities, woodland/path design, land to prioritise funding for expansion of the plans/legal agreements, funding surgery; and consider whether land should be procurement and contract management. identified and reserved for new facilities in the longer term, and at which location. This vision enables a recommendation to the Council’s partners - Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage and Action 6: Community the Forestry Commission with EC support - that consideration be given to the he Highland Housing Alliance is a appointment of a Project Officer to development organisation established implement a programme of community Tby the local Housing Associations and access and enhancement works. the Council, with the support of Communities Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. ome 25-30 ha. is required for a 9-hole Its role is to co-ordinate action by the private golf course. This needs to be sector, housing associations and the public Sconfigured to locate a clubhouse in an Highly Commended: Vinnie Holmes, age 12 agencies to open-up land for housing, and accessible position, enable continuity of includes “banking” land for the future. The play, a minimum fairway width of Alliance has commissioned a feasibility study approximately 50m. and safeguard of the allocated Allanmore-Pitkerrald lands, neighbouring development and public including related servicing/infrastructure costs access. The option to extend to 18-holes and phasing. Agreement has been reached would be desirable. A golf course could be with Albyn Housing Society to transfer the formed on green/”buffer” lands otherwise A big “thank you” to the pupils of former High School as part of a conversion/ unsuitable for development. Several High School for new build scheme to create 13 affordable permutations might arise for discussion taking part. Some real visioning, homes during 2008-09. (see Diag. Golf Course Options below). innovative ideas and great artwork! Thanks also to the sponsors - Glen Urqhuart Community Council and visitlochness. Congratulations to the Prize Winners: First Prize Christine Graham Age 14 Second Prize John Stirling Age 14 Third Prize Sarah Wilson Age 12

and those Highly Commended: Leanne Greatrex & Kirsty Lloyd, 14 Samuel Gill, 14 Sarah-Louise Pocock, 12 Vinnie Holmes, 12 Clarrie Murdoch & Cameron Jones, 12 Natasha & Becky, 12

Drumnadrochit Futures 5 Action 8: Village Centre constraints Village Centre he village centre is a vibrant mix of “footprint” of 0.8-1.0 ha. would be Development Guidelines shops, visitor facilities, community needed for a supermarket, small Only proposals which comprise: T services and housing arranged around A shops, business units and health the “green”. This creates an extremely centre, for example. Development would ™ extension or expansion of existing uses; or attractive focal point. The scope for also require to fit with any long-term expansion to the west and/or east has aspirations to reconfigure the A82. Options ™ redevelopment/refurbishment been examined against a Flood Risk for this might have included: of existing buildings; Assessment and advice contained within a route to the west of the village centre will be supported. Development may ™ SPP7 Planning and Flooding, since adjoining which could enable flood protection. involve the assembly of land but should land lies within the flood plain. Generally, This presents engineering and design not extend beyond the limits of these are factors which restrict development constraints arising from gradient and existing curtilages. Building will be except where protection could accrue to alignment, as well as amenity impacts designed with a minimum floor level existing property, from land-raising. close to the A863 junction; of 4.5m OD and constructed with Notwithstanding, a feasible development ™ a route to the east which could not water resistant materials. opportunity would need to emerge. offer flood protection. However, this Emphasis will be placed on: n principle, development to the west could be more feasible in engineering terms and would shorten journeys for ™ design complementary with may be permissible as a free-standing the setting of buildings around Ischeme; whereas development could trunk road users. the green, in particular not proceed to the east on its own. owever, with land-raising estimated compatibility of building lines Expansion in both directions may be at £250-450,000, expansion of the and height, access and acceptable, provided a proposal is part of Hvillage centre to the west/east may not servicing, and traditional wider anti-flood measures. Substantial present a viable proposition whilst alternatives appearance and finishes; and “townscape” and safety enhancements free from this level of additional cost exist. ™ replacing redundant could arise from diverting through traffic, Accordingly, it is recommended that principles agricultural buildings, rear servicing and more parking to hold are applied to guide “infill” development “brownfield” redevelopment visitors. Benefits for established enterprises within the existing village centre (see panel left), and restoring vacated sites. would need to be assured, including and that the potential for expanding Buildings and amenities should promotion of businesses, signing and commercial/business/community facilities be be positioned to present an “treatment” of the existing thoroughfare investigated elsewhere (see Action 9 below). enhanced frontage to any and public spaces. future trunk road re-alignment. below: Second Prize “Drumnadrochit Proposals will be subject to Flood Futures” Illustrations Competition: John Stirling, age 14 Risk Assessment and considered for their impact on existing development and remedial works, if necessary.

far left : Highly Commended: Action 99: New Village Centre Leanne Greatrex & Kirsty Lloyd, ages 14 and east of Drumlon lies close to the activity. Development at this location could realignment of the A82, but protect that village centre. This is a high profile involve a strong, integrated design theme, possibility as well as a future roundabout; L location with “upfront” visibility for a “domestic” scale of building and shared and safety improvements for the wider commercial, business and tourist activities, parking and servicing. This could become a Kilmore/East Lewiston network. It is potential for mixed uses on 3-dimensions key focal point, built around a new “green” recommended that some 1.5 ha. of land at and scope to develop as a new landmark/ or “square” and public transport terminus, this location is identified for development village “gateway”. This area lies above with additional parking capacity to serve of a future village centre. the flood plain, adjacent to the trunk road, the village centre and related amenities, offers good accessibility and sits well with such as riverside walks. A site would need the established hub of visitor-community to be able to function ahead of any

6 Drumnadrochit Futures Action 10: TEN KEY SITES he vision raises implications for These include sites located in the A82/ “commitments” in the adopted Local Pitkerrald/Kilmore “corridors” at the heart TPlan not yet taken-up, and which of the village, including Blairbeg Wood. The could contribute differently to long-term diagram below identifies key issues in each objectives. In particular, this is an case and the scope for adjustments. It is opportunity to “revisit” some ten key recommended - subject to agreement with parcels of land or property identified for landowners and wider community development or redevelopment, or discussion - that further consideration is protected as open space or amenity given to these ten key sites and their features. potential to help deliver the vision. Highly Commended: Clarrie Murdoch & Cameron Jones, 12

Highly Commended: Natasha & Becky, ages 12

Drumnadrochit Futures 7 Public Meeting & Exhibition/ ”Drop-in” day

A Public Meeting and an Exhibition/ “Drop-in Day” will be held to hear views about Drumnadrochit Futures and a Draft Development Brief which has been prepared to guide development Building the Vision: these diagrams indicate important local development factors at Allanmore-Pitkerrald.

Exhibition/Drop-in Day Monday 9th June, 2008 at the Community Room, Glen Urquhart High School from 11:00am - 8:00pm

Public Meeting Wednesday 11th June, 2008 at Glen Urquhart High School at 7:45pm

8 Drumnadrochit Futures