The first application of 117 private and affordable homes covers 6ha of land off Nairn Road. The private homes include a mix of 87 flats, terraced and semi-detached homes surrounding a play park and plenty of open space. The remaining 30 homes will be allocated for affordable housing in partnership with a local housing association. One and two-bedroom bungalows and three and four-bedroom semi-detached homes have been designed.

The second, smaller application is for 16 affordable homes located just off Station Road. The proposals, which will be undertaken in partnership with a local housing association, will transform the former railway station into stylish new bungalows.

Springfield’s group partnership managing director, Tom Leggeat, said: “Ardersier is a great place – it’s a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Inverness, with scenic views of the coast in a quiet sea-side town. Our plans will feed into that. The development will bring jobs and development opportunities for youngsters, support shops and businesses and offer a mix of new private and affordable homes in the area.

“We had great attendance and feedback from locals when we unveiled our plans at the community consultation recently. The larger development is a natural expansion of the existing village and has been designed with this in mind. The plans for 16 new bungalows in the centre of the village will inject life into an unsightly section of land.

“We expect to hear the views from council members in the coming months.”