Highland councillors have welcomed plans to build a multi-million housing development outside Inverness – despite a clear objection from concerned local residents.
The Chapelton development will comprise of 298 homes on farmland, south east of Balloch Farm.
The proposals – brought forward by the Highland Council – originally cited plans for 312 properties – however it has now been reduced.
During a South Planning committee meeting at the council headquarters, committee members welcomed the “intricate plans.”
Councillor Ben Thompson classed it as one of the best laid-out plans he has seen in some time.
He said: “The thing that stands out for me is how well this site looks in terms of the sighting of the houses, the amount of green space left over in comparison to some of the commercial developments we have seen come before this committee over the last year or two. This is night and day and it has the potential to be a fantastic housing site.”
The development have sparked fury with Balloch residents protesting the loss of valuable green space in the area.
Councillor Bill Lobban added: “I think the intricate outline of these proposals is absolutely excellent. It’s a really good looking development, in the right place and I would be quite happy to support.”
Catherine Bunn, chairwoman of Culloden Community Council launched a website, Balloch Save Our Green Space, alongside fellow residents in an effort to give local people a voice.
Speaking following the decision, she said it is “disappointing” but urged steps to be taken to ensure providing prime infrastructure becomes the main priority.
She said: “The greatest concern in Culloden with the development in Balloch, would be the local infrastructure, which is almost at capacity in Culloden and is struggling to cope.
“Any development must see support services built or improved first, for instance the doctors surgery, the pharmacies and the primary schools. What we see happening is the houses are built and then the theoretical support for the local infrastructure is an add-on after thought and that needs to change.”
