We exclusively revealed the plans in November last year and were accused by some of "mischief making" and were labelled the "local gutter press" – with one leading figure in the waterfront consortium dismissing the story as "complete nonsense".

Now it is clear the development will include a 75,000 sq ft superstore, a number of national retailers and various public service users.

Edinburgh-based Oatridge Ltd, whose supermarket clients include Tesco, has concluded negotiations with landowners and other interested parties.

The company says the scheme can be delivered within two years and intends to make an announcement regarding a planning application once discussions on Highland Council's new planning blueprint for Lochaber are concluded late next month.

The huge site identified at Blar Mhor, also known locally as Corpach Moss, on a line between the Fort William Health Centre and Neptune's Staircase, is zoned for mixed-use development, including retail.

The land is owned by Lochiel Estates and local crofters at Camaghael.

Part of the site has also been earmarked for a replacement Belford Hospital and it is understood that the Oatridge plan could lead to progress on this eagerly-anticipated project.

Northern Constabulary is also understood to have identified the Blar Mhor, amongst other sites, as a potential location for a new Fort William police headquarters.

There are strong hopes, too, that developments on the Blar Mhor – on both sides of the A830 – can spearhead progress on a much-needed link road from Fort William to Caol.

Yesterday (Wednesday), a spokesman for Oatridge Ltd told the LN: "This is an exciting retail development on a 30-acre site which will include a major supermarket operator, a number of national retailers and various public service uses.

"This venture will bring major benefits to the local and wider Highland community and will prevent current retail leakage to other major towns and cities.

"The development we propose will be an added boost to the local economy in the construction stages and will act as a driver for the expansion and needs of a greater Fort William."

The spokesman added: "Negotiations have gone well with all parties concerned and an announcement will be made soon with regard to the planning submissions to be made following discussions on the new local plan for the Lochaber area being held by council officials at the end of November.

"Substantial detailed work over the past 18 months is coming to fruition and we are aware that the Lochaber public has a desire for this development, which can be delivered within the next two years."

The Lochaber News exclusively revealed the Oatridge supermarket plans in November last year – a story which was roundly-criticised by some who attended a public meeting in Lochaber House about the proposed £80 million Fort William waterfront development.

We were accused by some of "mischief making" and were labelled the "local gutter press".

One of the leading figures in the waterfront consortium dismissed the story as "complete nonsense".

In the article, the LN revealed that a number of supermarket operators had dismissed the option of siting a store within the proposed waterfront scheme and instead favoured the Blar Mhor.

A superstore has been identified as the anchor for the Loch-Linnhe-side retail, commercial, housing and leisure development.

At the time, the Oatridge spokesman told the LN that in an in-depth study of the Lochaber area on behalf of supermarket clients, the waterfront site had been adjudged to be "unsustainable" and would not deliver a financially viable project.

However, the spokesman made it clear that it did not spell the end for the waterfront scheme.

"The waterfront can still happen and can proceed in tandem with the Blar Mhor site," he said. "But it is more suitable for tourist uses, higher density residential units, cinema, hotel and local council uses and would probably cause less disruption to the transport infrastructure."

Development 'a vision for the future of Lochaber'

A STATEMENT issued yesterday on behalf of Lochaber's four Independent Highland councillors, Donald Cameron, Bill Clark, Allan Henderson and Eddie Hunter, said: "We welcome this interest from developers and we believe, providing the project satisfies planning criteria, that it will meet the desires and aspirations of the Lochaber public.

"This development and the proposed building of 300-plus houses at Caol will act as economic drivers to deliver the much-needed Caol link road.

"The expansion of a greater Fort William is inevitable with the Blar Mhor area having planning permission for two care homes.

"It is also in the emerging local plan as a site for a new Belford Hospital adjacent to the existing medical centre.

"Should the hospital plans materialise then an alternative route is imperative should flooding or engineering problems occur at Lochy Bridge.

"We believe that this proposal presents a strategic vision for the near future and look forward to a masterplan being produced in full consultation with the public."

The statement from the four councillors, who led the debate against the waterfront development at a crucial meeting in Inverness in October 2007, added: "We recognise that many sole traders in the High Street support such a development as this because it will prevent retail leakage from Lochaber.

"Rather than be a threat it can complement existing businesses."

s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk

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