A north commuter village faces a population explosion if a £20million, 100-home development is given the go-ahead.
Housebuilder Tulloch Homes is in the process of submitting a planning application for Kirkhill, nine miles from Inverness on the way to Beauly.
The village has a population of about 700, but that could increase by up to 50% – to more than 1,000 – if the project is approved.
Residents have met the developers and concern has been expressed about the potential impact new homes would have on roads, drainage and the primary school, the roll of which is currently 160 but could possibly almost double to around 300.
Local councillor, and authority leader, Margaret Davidson, said: “Proposed housing developments will give an opportunity for us to take a step back and look at the growth of the village, which is desperately in need of services.”
The Tulloch proposal is within the current Local Development Plan zoned for housing, and she added: “It will go through the proper process and be considered when it comes to planning.”
One local, who did not wish to be named, said: “This will change the face of the village, but the land is down for housing in the Local Plan and we expect it to be ticked for approval when put before councillors.
“We are worried about the effect on infrastructure, such as roads, drainage and of course the school, which will not be able to cope with a huge influx of new pupils as it stands.
“Once complete, you will also have an additional 100 cars or so using the roads – some single track – each day, and access is already a problem.”
Tulloch Homes said it was to make a £20m investment in a residential development in the village, with some homes affordable and the balance a mix of two to five bedroom homes.
A previous Kirkhill development by Tulloch was Black Isle View, a project of 28 homes, and the new venture is on neighbouring land.
Construction director Billy McKay said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Kirkhill with a much larger development than previously – in recognition of its growing status as a commuter village for people working in Inverness.
“Kirkhill is a pleasant place in which to live and our new development will be a social and economic stimulus as well as offering our award-winning range of house types.
“We are going through the planning process with construction targeted to begin on site in spring, 2020, with the first home occupancies in summer.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “Once a planning application has been submitted to and verified by The Highland Council it will be made available on the Council’s eplanning website.
“Anyone who wishes to comment on the resultant planning application should do so through the Council’s eplanning site.
“All comments which raise material planning considerations will be taken into account as part of the assessment of the application.”
