Councillors will next week be asked to give their backing to a major new housing and leisure development on the edge of a Ross-shire town.
It is part of renewed efforts to build the massive new complex on farmland off Knockbreck Road in Tain.
Councillors have previously given their support to the development in 2013 – but work has never begun on site.
A planning committee will next week be asked to refresh planning consent in principle for the new development, opposite the town’s Asda supermarket.
The plans are the brainchild of local developer BKB Property who say the site would have capacity for 250 homes.
An update by Inverness-based planning consultants GH Johnston lodged with the application gave an update on progress since the development was first mooted.
Work on the masterplan commenced in 2007 but was overtaken by plans for the nearby supermarket, on land belonging to the same owner as the new retail and housing development.
The planning consultants said the global recession had an effect before the plans were originally granted in 2013.
They added: “The local economy was showing some signs of recovery when the planning in principle was issued in 2013 but was then affected by the more recent downturn in the oil industry with consequences for employment in the fabrication yard at Nigg.”
The Tain site has attracted inquiries from “several” large house-building firms in the last three to five years, while negotiations have also been ongoing with affordable housing providers.
They include Albyn Housing who own part of the land.
Neighbouring Tain Tennis Club is seeking land to expand its facilities, while locals have also expressed an interest in establishing a new indoor curling rink.
GH Johnston added in their statement: “Despite such interests none have so far followed up with detailed proposals.
“While most interest has been showing in developing the site in smaller phases, no developer has come forward who is prepared to take on the responsibility for addressing the overall servicing requirements.”
Allan Ogilvie from the planning consultants said the applicant was “hopeful” that work could get underway and added that the site has enough land to sustain development over the next 15 years.
Councillors have been asked to grant planning permission in principle for the site, meaning a developer would have to submit detailed applications for any individual elements.
Council planning officials have recommended that planning permission in principle should be granted.