A developer is a step closer to building a care home on the Black Isle having won the support of the local community council.
A meeting of the Fortrose and Rosemarkie council has given unanimous backing for Parklands’ plans to build a £4million facility on Ness Road in Fortrose.
The firm revised its proposals after its previous plans were rejected last year by Highland planning officials on the grounds they contravened policy protecting green belt.
The planners also identified seven alternative sites where such a development was welcome.
Parklands was adamant that Ness Road was the “only appropriate location” and lowered the scale of its ambitions to reduce the visual impact.
Speaking afer the specially convened meeting, community council chairwoman Sarah Atkin said: “The role of a community council is to reflect the views of the community as a whole, irrespective of personal opinion.
“These past few months, we’ve taken the time to listen to the community and to grasp the wider implications of the lack of care facilities on families and our elderly residents.
“The Black Isle needs a care home. This is the only one on offer.
“Community council members who attended the meeting stated that the majority of people they have spoken to support this application. The majority of people who have contacted us by letter or e-mail in the past week echo this.”
A spokesman for Parklands said: “We welcome the support of the community council for our proposed care home.
“We’ve received very strong support from local residents and care groups in the area and this latest endorsement is particularly welcome.
“We would urge everyone who wants to see a new care home in Fortrose to contact Highland Council and make their voice heard.”