A beachside Highland holiday park hopes to expand with an additional 27 pitches.
Parkdean, whose long established Lochloy business is on common good land in Nairn, aims to widen the site into part of the East Beach car park, but has pledged not to hinder public access to the sands.
Expansion would entail 21 serviced pitches for motorhomes or caravans and six plots designated for camping.
The proposal has been broadly welcomed by councillors who are optimistic it will mean improved toilet facilities for general use and attract motor-homes that might otherwise park up overnight at the nearby harbour.
The company believes the expansion would create the equivalent of five full-time jobs.
Local councillor Michael Green said it would benefit the common good fund.
“It’s good news for Nairn and will strengthen the assets that we have,” he said.
Nairn Provost Laurie Fraser and his ward colleague Liz MacDonald are both confident it would not impinge on beach parking.
David Key, regional director for Parkdean in Scotland, said: “The development will bring further tourism and economic growth to the area whilst ensuring that the right of way through the park and public parking for access to the beach and walkways is still retained.
“We also plan on developing the existing toilet block into new and modern facilities which will still be accessible to the public.”
A bumper season has spurred on the expansion plan.
Asked what the implications would be for East Beach parking, Mr Key said: “We have indicated to the council there will be 35-plus parking spaces available to the public.”
Parkdean hopes to have the additional pitches available for next season, pending council approval.
The new jobs would be in maintenance and a warden role. Seasonal food and beverage staff will be recruited next March.
The site has proved controversial following the embarrassing revelation last year that the council had previously failed to update the lease over a 15-year period, costing taxpayers £187,000.