Plans have been submitted for 67 new homes which would form part of a new neighbourhood in the south of Inverness.
Joint applicants Redco Slackbuie Ltd, Robertson Partnership Homes and Caledonia Housing Association, want to build the properties and five business or retail units in a field by Slackbuie Farm Road, behind the Asda store.
A pedestrianised public square is envisioned as part of the plans and housing will branch off either side of a “spine street.”
The proposed scheme would sit next to a proposed 82-house development from Barratt North Scotland and a site where 60 homes and a restaurant are being built by Kirkwood Homes.
Community leaders have voiced concern about extent of housebuilding in the area which is only zoned for “mixed use for business, retail and 24 new homes” under the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan.
And local councillors say that the developers have not made enough of providing a school or essential community facilities.
But the developers’ planning statement states that this particular development will “not have a significant impact on the school roll,” suggesting it meets the equivalent of nine secondary school places under the council’s supplementary guidance.
The proposed neighbourhood at Slackbuie would contain 49 houses and 18 flats – classed as affordable – and five commercial units which would be non food, such as a hairdressers, pharmacy, dentist or offices.
The developers’ planning statement reads: “The proposal is not simply a housing development, but also proposes a neighbourhood square which will provide the opportunity for local businesses, charities and community uses to open
office space, or small scale retail uses.
“The space within the square also provides a high quality space for events, or gatherings.
“Business uses are well catered for in this area with Fairways Business Park to the east of the site. There is no demand for additional business use in this location. However, the commercial units would be available as offices, and would suit business start-ups or community uses.”
The statement adds that there is a particular need for affordable housing in Inverness, highlighting that the new development would provide 11 new one-bedroom flats in line with demand under the Highland Housing Strategy 2017-2022.