Plans have been lodged for the creation of a later living village in Inverness.
The courtyard development would offer 11 two-bedroom homes and would take shape in the city’s Milton of Leys area.
It will form part of a new multi-million pound care complex proposed by Grantown based Parklands Care Homes.
The second element – a 59-bed care home – has already been granted planning permission.
The applicants say the proposed village development is designed to act as a bridge between independent living and the care home sector.
Works are expected to start early next year.
Managing director Ron Taylor, said: “Since we were initially granted planning consent for the Milton of Leys site in 2018, our plans have evolved and we believe this new mix of care home provision and independent living better reflects the care needs of the local community.
“This is a relatively new concept for the Highlands, not least because our care hub will also include a playgroup for local children.
“We think it will be hugely beneficial for the city and wider region.”
The single storey properties will offer double and single bedrooms, living rooms with bay windows, kitchen/dining rooms, a sun room, bathroom and storage.
Each property will have a semi-private garden area and a parking space.
Within the courtyard development, a central open area will also be created with stone dykes, seats, grass and decorative shrub planting, to form what should be an attractive communal area for residents to congregate in.