Highland Council have given the green light for almost 800 new homes on the Inverness West Link distributor road just one day after it was opened.
Developer Tulloch Homes yesterday got approval for a mixed development of flats, houses and recreational space.
VIDEO: First motorists try out Inverness’s new West Link bypass
A total of 767 properties could be built under the plans, creating accommodation for at least 2,000 people.
However, concerns were previously raised over potential congestion.
Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “It will add more traffic but let’s make a big effort to get more public transport sorted for these folks.
“It is an opportunity where we can encourage people to minimise the use of cars and maximise the use of other forms of transport.”
She added: “I am certainly not concerned at the moment.”
Councillor Richard Laird said planning flexibility was vital, rather than being restricted by rigid directives that did not respond to future needs of residents.
Tulloch Homes Chief Executive George Fraser agreed, saying: “This site will be developed over the next 10 to 15 years, so I think it is quite correct that flexibility has got to be built into there.
“They wanted the high-rise flats in proximity to the roundabouts, and we have delivered lots of green space in the development.”
Councillor Ken Gowans said he was concerned about the location of the four storey flats. He said: “I am worried it will be a bit of an eyesore on one of the most prominent entrances to the city.”
Councillor Ron McWilliam added: “It is important the developer knows they are there to build a community not just houses.
“It is hard not to feel a sense of loss when you see agricultural land, farmland given over to development.”
The Ness-side development has been long in the planning, and was earmarked for housing on completion of the West Link Road, which officially opened on Monday.
The developers will pay £7.3million towards infrastructure costs, including cash towards a new school. The plans include proposals to build 218 one and two bedroom flats along with a selection of two to five bedroom homes.
