Plans have been lodged for 94 new homes on a patch of farmland in a small Loch Ness-side village – possibly increasing the population by one fifth.
Applicant Springfield Properties want to build the private and affordable homes at Drum Farm in Drumnadrochit, in an area of 12 acres wedged between the A82 Inverness-Fort William road and Kilmore Road.
Springfield’s north sales manager, Joyce Hadden, said it is the first planning application the company has submitted in the village, adding: “We are excited by the prospect of offering our stylish range of highly energy-efficient homes in the area – just 14 miles from Inverness.
“This land has been vacant for some time and is unkempt and overgrown. Our proposals will address this, complete the streetscape and offer homes that are inexpensive to run. It will support the local economy by bringing new infrastructure, new jobs and new families to the area.”
The land at Drum Farm is zoned for housing under the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan 2015.
Drumnadrochit has a population of 1,020 residents and the village benefits from a community centre, primary school and local leisure and sports facilities including a shinty pitch and clubhouse.
Local businessman Willie Cameron, who runs Cobbs bakery which employs 80 to 100 people at their unit in the village alone, cautiously welcomed the proposals.
He questioned whether adequate infrastructure will be created alongside the development if a minimum 200 more people move to the village, suggesting another main employer will be needed locally.
The planned project would consist of private two, three and four bedroom homes.
Flats, semi-detached houses and bungalows would be among the 25 “affordable” properties proposed.
The development would boast scenic views, a play park and footpaths to existing walking routes and lie within walking distance of Loch Ness.
A supporting statement submitted in the plans said there would be a main central green as part of the development which will form part of a publicly accessible green corridor through the site, with the hope of integrating existing trees and planting around some of the homes.
Ms Hadden added: “We’ve worked closely with the council to offer a mix of homes in the area to suit a range of buyers and will await their feedback in the coming months.”