Inverness affordable homes plan approved

City-based firm Compass Building and Construction is expected to build the affordable homes next year on waste ground between Westhill, Culloden and Smithton.

Compass submitted a full planning application for the scheme earlier this year, saying it would address a “real need” for affordable housing in the Inverness area.

A supporting statement by planning agent Bracewell Stirling Consulting explained that the site was currently scrub land and could not be used as a play park because of its proximity to the busy Tower Road. The properties have been designed in tiers down the sloping site and would take access from a new junction off Tower Road.

The planning consultants described the flats as having a “striking contemporary design”, fitting in with the church building.

Smithton and Culloden Community Council raised concerns about the safety of the road access to the site, but local authority transport engineers were “satisfied” by the proposed arrangements.

Approving the scheme under delegated powers, planning officers concluded: “All relevant matters have been taken into account when appraising this application.

“It is considered that the proposal accords with the principles and policies contained with the development plan, and is acceptable in terms of all other applicable material considerations.”

The developer has said it hoped work would start on the site in early next year, with the properties to be completed early in 2018.