Plans to build 160 new homes in Evanton have taken a step forward after being approved by the Highland Council.
Proposals have been lodged for a mixed use development of houses and businesses to be built in the north-east of the village.
It also includes provision for 40 affordable homes and developer contributions towards education and community infrastructure needed with the projected increase in population.
MSP Gail Ross said she was “delighted” at the news and underlined the importance it would have for the Highland’s rural economy.
She said: “The need for housing is becoming more and more vital for our rural highland economy, with many businesses and community organisations being stifled at present because of the lack of appropriate housing.”
The masterplan document reveals plans for areas of open space with allotments, landscaping and play areas.
However, concerns have been raised about the impact of increased traffic travelling on to the A9 from Evanton which is served by two main junctions.
Mrs Ross said: “Realistically public transport is not a viable alternative to the car at all times in the highlands and I would like reassurance that junctions on and off the A9 will be future proofed for this and other developments within Evanton.”
Chairwoman Maxine Smith said: “It is also a concern of mine if we are saying that there are potentially 300 movements onto that one junction.
“I am not sure what criteria Transport Scotland uses not knowing how many people are going to use that junction in the future when we don’t even know who is going to be living there or where they will be working.”
Councillor Angela Maclean said she was worried about “overwhelming” the community with the two projects during discussions on another project proposed for the village at a meeting yesterday.
The second project for Evanton would see 150 properties built at Teandallon.
Although she said there were still a lot of people on waiting lists for affordable housing.
She said: “I just thought it was an awful lot of houses but I am pleased to see that it is over ten years. It will change the village but it is needed – we have got 7,500 people on our waiting lists.”
