Highland Council has refused planning permission for an “inappropriate” housing project on the edge of Inverness which triggered local outrage.
Springfield Properties had submitted plans for a 48-property development on Culloden Road .
But the developer was unsuccessful in its bid – although a spokeswoman said the company was not accepting the decision.
She added: “We are disappointed that Highland Council have refused our application to build 48 affordable homes along Culloden Road.
“Once built these homes would offer 48 families in Inverness the benefit of highly energy efficient, inexpensive to run, affordable places to live. Springfield will be appealing the decision.”
Local councillor Ken Gowans labelled the application “opportunistic” adding “the development was inappropriate for the area and that formed no part of the development plans.
“This would have put significant pressures on our infrastructure – roads, schools – and marked the route on the way to the [Culloden] battlefield, which is a conservation area.
“This application breached Highland-wide and local long-developed planning policy and this should come as no surprise to the developer.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “The application has been refused under delegated powers in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.
“The reasons for the decision are as set out in the Report of Handling available on the Council web-site.”
Planners refused on the basis the land was not zoned, there are flooding concerns and it was outwith the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan.
