Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has welcomed the news that the Scottish Environmental Protection Authority (SEPA) has no objection to the river side site in Conon Bridge being redeveloped.

Dave wrote to Highland Council to enquire about the progress of the proposed redevelopment of the derelict Pescanova Fish Factory in February.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I am pleased that SEPA have confirmed that in their view, the site can now be safely redeveloped. It is a blot that can usefully be transformed into between 70-90 houses, and provided adequate provisions are in place to guard against any flooding of the River Conon, the old factory could be a crucial source of new affordable housing. It is an eye-sore that desperately needs to be rejuvenated.

The Pescanova site was allocated for housing development in the Ross and Cromarty East Local Plan on a conditional basis, provided that a detailed study of the condition and suitability of the River Conon flood defences were carried out.

Highland Council has now re-instated the flood embankments, raising them to their original design level. The Council are working with SEPA to improve the condition of the site, which previously housed a fish factory.

Adding to this, Dave said: “The improvements made by the Council to the flood embankments are welcome, and I hope to soon hear of further improvements to the condition of the site following the Council’s dialogue with SEPA.

“These improvements will undoubtedly make the site more attractive to prospective developers, and it would be a great boost for the local area if we could secure new housing.”