Highland Council have agreed to trigger a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the Struan House Hotel, which has been unused for 15 years.
The council plans to use the site to build affordable housing, although it isn’t clear whether the Council intends to convert the old hotel or demolish it to clear way for building on the land.
The CPO has been submitted to the Scottish Government for approval.
Convenor, Cllr Bill Lobban whose ward the derelict hotel is in said:
“The building which sits in a prominent position is not only an eyesore but is in such sever disrepair that it has become a potential hazard due to damage caused by rain water, break-ins and vandalism.
“In its hay-day it was at the heart of the village but as each week goes by it steadily deteriorates more and more. The key site deserves to be given a new lease of life, so I am delighted that the meeting today unanimously backed the Compulsory Purchase Order.
“Whilst it may be some time before we see the entire area redeveloped this should give local residents the assurance that before too long, we will see the old Struan Hotel replaced with homes for local families to live in.”
With affordable housing becoming increasingly important to local authorities, it is important that councils use all of their powers, and also ingenuity to ensure that affordable housing is delivered quickly and efficiently.
