The Highlands could be a step closer to the construction of almost 50 so-called “affordable” homes after a new planning application was submitted in Inverness.
But the ink was barely dry on the document, when a city councillor warned such expansion would demand additional school provision before any new door keys were handed over.
Albyn Housing Society has lodged a proposal for 49 homes at Balvonie Street as part of the Balvonie Braes development on the south side of the Highland capital.
It would be adjacent to the site of the controversial and publicly-subsidised “Scotland’s Housing Expo”, which was created to showcase eco-friendly housing.
The plans are a revised version of documents which were submitted to Highland Council just over a year ago.
Albyn chief executive Calum Macaulay said: “We have submitted plans for 49 homes at Balvonie Street.
“We’ve worked closely with local architects Colin Armstrong Associates to design a range of houses and flats for affordable rent and sale.”
However, in keeping a close check on expansion in the Milton of Leys suburb and the surrounding district, local SNP councillor Ken Gowans responded: “While this is planned expansion, these houses will simply compound the school roll pressures at Milton of Leys Primary.
“It is all very well building houses, but we should concentrate on building a community.
“For that, we need greater capacity in our schools as well as significant improvements in our community facilities first.”
A broad range of styles of property has been proposed for the scheme, ranging from one-bedroom flats to two, three and four-bedroom homes.
Surrounding roads could be extended to serve the expanded site.
The local development plan has the greenfield site zoned for housing.
Albyn bought it from the Highland Housing Alliance which ran the expo. The HHA eco scheme won awards, but made a financial loss.
The Scottish Government ended up repaying a chunk of a £5.4million loan guarantee underwriting the properties.
And, after the event, some of the properties took more than three years to sell.
