A Highland village could welcome hundreds of new residents if plans for 140 affordable homes are approved.
The plan outlined by Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) for Evanton has already been hailed as a good thing for the community.
MSP Gail Ross said the homes would bring a welcome boost to the village and, importantly, help retain young people in the area.
The developer hopes to be granted permission to construct the homes on greenfield land on Evanton’s western edge, near Swordale Road.
The 27.7 acre site at Teandallon would comprise of a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom homes, of various styles, for both rental and low-cost ownership.
The proposals are the second of their kind for the village following approval, a little under two years ago, by Highland councillors for the construction of 160 new homes to the north-east of the village.
Gail Matheson, Highland Housing Alliance chief executive, said “Evanton is a vibrant village community and we believe that this mixed housing development will provide homes for people who are already living in the area or who wish to return to make it their home.
“We are pleased to put forward this application to help us meet the needs of the local community.
“We have listened closely to the local community and are endeavouring to develop homes that benefit a wide range of people and are also in keeping with the existing village.”
The developer has pledged to ensure suitable landscaping and provide 280 parking spaces and ensure the homes are linked to the local primary school and sports facilities.
They would also maintain access to the area’s existing greenspace and surrounding woodland.
Mrs Matheson added: “There will also be a focus on maintaining green space across the development in keeping with the local area, and improving accessibility, by upgrading walking and cycle routes and establishing traffic-calming measures for the benefit of new and existing residents.”
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Gail Ross said Highland Housing Alliance’s plan would “go a long way to alleviating the housing pressures in Evanton and the wider area”.
“The inclusion of affordable homes will encourage young people to stay in the area and contribute to their community,” she said.
“Providing affordable housing in the constituency is a top priority and I am glad to see it being delivered.”