A major housing development on the Black Isle could be approved next week despite a “vociferous” backlash from local residents.
Paterson Estates want to build 50 homes at Greenside Farm on the south-western edge of Rosemarkie.
Highland Council planners have recommended councillors grant permission to the scheme – despite 267 objections being lodged against the development.
The main concern was the generation of increased traffic on the A832, particularly as it passes through Fortrose.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council warned the development would “reduce viability and vitality” of Fortrose’s village centre and increase safety risks for pedestrians and other road users
Other concerns include fears about increased flood risk and the density of development on the site.
A total of 71 letters of support were also lodged with the plans.
In her report planning officer Erica McArthur said there had been “substantial public interest” in the project with “substantial and vociferous” opposition to the plans.
The houses would be built on a site bounded on three sides by fields, while access is to be taken from an upgraded junction off Courthill Road.
The houses would be made up of two storey houses, which designers ThreeSixty Architects say has been inspired by traditional design elsewhere in the seaside village.
A survey of Fortrose High Street was carried out recently by consultants SIAS Limited on behalf of the developer.
It found that the Greenside development is expected to add a maximum of 26 additional journeys in the morning rush hour and 32 at peak time in the evening.
This was deemed to have a “negligible impact” on safety and the operation of the road network.
However, the community council insists a number of its concerns have not been reflected, particularly concerns raised by existing residents on Courthill Road.
Community council member Tom Heath said: “The residents of Courthill Road are extremely concerned about the existing abuse of traffic restrictions on the road and the inevitable increase of such abuse in the event of 50 extra houses feeding traffic onto the road.
“They have made representation to this community council that they feel ignored and that their worries about the traffic situation in Rosemarkie are being brushed aside.”
Planning officer Ms McArthur has recommended approval for the plans, saying it will contribute “much needed” homes for the area.
