An Inverness councillor has criticised the continued deterioration of the former Fairfield Care Home site, describing the situation as unacceptable and demanding action from the property owner.
The comments relate to the vacant buildings at 68 to 70 Fairfield Road in Inverness, which have stood empty since the care home closed in 2018.
Inverness Central Labour councillor Dr Michael Gregson said the condition of the site has worsened significantly and is now having a serious impact on local residents.
Dr Gregson said the property may be technically unoccupied, but has clearly been subject to repeated illegal intrusion and vandalism.
“Although the property has been technically unoccupied since the Care Home closure in 2018, there has clearly been much illegal intrusion, with noise, flashlights and vandalism.
“The Police are aware, but there has been simply deterioration.
“Local residents are understandably unhappy, and things are going from bad to worse.”
Dr Gregson said both he and council planning officers want to see the site brought back into use, with redevelopment that respects the character of the original buildings.
“I along with Council Planning Officers want to see this site developed, with re use of the original buildings the ideal scenario.
“The Council has been trying to work with the owner to lessen the financial burden of the site.
“Ultimately, the Council may judge that where there is significantly adverse impact on the amenity of an area some enforcement action may have to take place.
“In my opinion, this stage has been reached.
“The buildings should only be demolished as a last resort.
The councillor said the situation at Fairfield Road stands in contrast to other developments currently taking shape in the city.
“I want to see developers developing.
“Tony Story’s Kin Hotel is under way on Church Street, and there are other positive improvements to our city.
“One day we may even see a developer taking on the monstrosity that is Upper Bridge Street.
“But right now as a recent investigation revealed there are several empty city centre buildings with property owners apparently asleep at the wheel.
Dr Gregson criticised what he described as remote ownership structures that leave buildings neglected and communities bearing the consequences.
“Remote property owners, often registered at empty London offices, are contributing nothing, and are a blight on our city.
“68 to 70 Fairfield Road reflects egregiously poor management in a residential area.
“These buildings are essentially attractive villas, and the current neglect with broken security fencing and obvious vandalism and anti social behaviour plaguing the area is intolerable.
“I would urge the site owner to work with the Council to ensure an acceptable future for this site.”
Dr Gregson said residents should not be expected to live alongside derelict and unsafe buildings while development opportunities remain unused.
He added that decisive action is now required to protect local amenity and restore confidence that Inverness is being properly cared for and invested in.
