The social landlord wants to expand the existing Blackwater development on the edge of Newmarket.

The site was previously identified by Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar as potential space for new affordable housing.

Pending approval, work is anticipated to get underway in about two years time.

John Maciver, director of operations at HHP, told Scottish Housing News: “Blackwater has been identified by the Comahairle as one of their priority sites for housing development in Stornoway.

“HHP is now taking this forward on their behalf. We have consulted the community on our proposals and have now submitted a planning application for 74 houses on the site. We are also working with the Stornoway Trust to resume the site from crofting tenure.

“It is anticipated that work would commence in around two years time and the site would be likely to be developed over a number of phases over the following three to five years.

“The site will provide a mix of sizes from 1-bedroom single person accommodation to 4-bedroom family housing all with high levels of insulation and air source heating. It is also likely that there would be a mix of housing for sale and for rent.”