A Ross-shire village could be set for a huge expansion with plans to build 160 new houses on farmland.
Developer Makar Ltd has promised a “sustainable extension” to Evanton with their masterplan.
The Inverness-based company has applied to Highland Council for planning permission in principle to deliver the project.
The development would be built on a 30 acre site at Culcairn to the east of the existing village over several years if planning permission is granted
The land is owned by Novar Estate and is allocated for up to 160 houses and mixed use in the local development plan.
Evanton, which sits close to the Cromarty Firth, currently has a population of just over 1,100 people.
Makar managing director Neil Sutherland said that the development would be “innovative” but would fit with the existing village lay-out.
If granted permission the company are aiming to be on site early next year, with a first phase of around 30 houses.
They would then continue with around 25 to 30 units a year until the completion of the project, which also includes space allocated for recreation such as allotments, tennis courts and a bowling green.
The houses would range in size and would include a number of rented properties.
They would primarily be finished in timber.
In its masterplan, the developer said it has taken design cues from the existing village and other settlements around the Cromarty Firth, such as Avoch and Cromarty.
They have also considered other major town extensions, including sites in Northampton and Cambridge.
Mr Sutherland said: “This has been many years in gestation and development.
“We’ve working closely with the land owner Novar Estate over that time and I think we have something that would be a sustainable development.”
The development also includes space for commercial use, primarily offices.
Hector Munro, chairman of Kiltearn Community Council, said: “It has been on the cards for quite a long time and I would say the community is generally supportive.”
