INVERNESS Caledonian Thistle chairman Ross Morrison has slammed decision-makers he says are ‘hellbent on killing the club’.
Jags bosses fear an uncertain future after a £3.8m project to develop an energy storage site was kyboshed by councillors.
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Duncan Ferguson’s first team are also struggling in the second tier with only Arbroath currently separating them from the automatic relegation place.
And the boss warned “it will have massive implications” longer term.
Caley want to build a renewable battery storage facility on the outskirts of the Highland capital.
The project has been contentious since the outset with decisions ebbing one way and then the other.
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Councillors were initially recommended to reject the plans late last year when it was first put in front of them.
However planning permission was granted last month following a site visit and the Championship strugglers believe their project is vital to boost their income and secure their future.
But just days later after the 3-2 vote that gave work the green light, their plan was called in for review by the Highland Council planning committee chairman Thomas MacLennan and his deputy Paul Oldham leading to a secondary vote which has now refused the club permission.
The Inverness Courier reported that three councillors abstained from the vote, 30 voted to refuse the Jags plans but 23 said to maintain the earlier position.
Club chairman Ross Morrison is said to have reacted with fury saying “this absolutely stinks,” adding he reckoned those involved are “hellbent on killing the club by abusing their power”.
Team boss Ferguson waded into the row last month claiming councillors were “replaying the game”.
He said: “The club got great news when the vote when through 3-2 in their favour.
“I looks like the Highland Council didn’t quite like that. They want to replay the game and keep playing until they win, or get the score they want.
“I don’t know the total financial position of the club, but I know they were counting on this. It was really important they got this planning permission through.
“It is not affecting me that much in the short term.
“But I’m sure for the club going forwards and sustaining itself, it will have massive implications if they don’t get permission.”
Councillor Ken Gowans, SNP, said in the debate: “As you know I am a local member. This application is in my ward. Like many I have received so many representations from numerous people on this matter, most of it unwelcome and some of them quite intimidating.
“The Inner Moray Firth development plan is a document which has developed over many years so it can surely be no surprise that we have four community councils, representing 13,000 people that are vehemently against this proposal. This is a question of whether we agree to stick to our council policy or we don’t.
“The area is a very important area of green space and provides a much needed amenity for local residents.
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“Battery storage is a good idea, but this is just in the wrong place. We should’t be putting battery storage in close proximity to businesses, schools, hotels, a supermarket and so on. I really wish the applicant had taken some advice on this before putting forward this application.
“I wish Caley Thistle every success on the football park but this is nothing to do with football, it is simply to do with planning policy. It is not a matter of whether this breaches planning policy or not, it is a matter of fact.”
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