Cromarty Firth freeport set to fuel burgeoning housing demand says developer Tulloch Homes amid search for new sites in Easter Ross
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Tulloch Homes is seeking new development sites in Easter Ross and east Sutherland to support the increased housing need in light of the Opportunity Cromarty Firth freeport approved by the UK Government.
With backers saying that up to 25,000 jobs will be created by the freeport, amid claims it will attract £2.6 billion in inward investment, there will be major demand for new, high quality and energy efficient housing within easy commuting distance.
Sandy Grant, managing director of Tulloch Homes, said: “We’re pleased that an environmentally progressive project has secured Government support in the area – it’s great for employment, great for the environment and great for the local economy. New housing will be required to accommodate the families of those involved in this exciting project, with tax incentives and lower tariffs helping to create a world-beating floating offshore wind manufacturing sector in Nigg, Invergordon and Inverness.
“We’re keen to support the project, and as a key home builder in the Highlands, we’re actively exploring land acquisition in areas from Invergordon to Tain and further along the east coast into Sutherland as an essential part of our medium to long-term strategy.
“It will be important, however, that suitable planning infrastructure is put in place to allow freeport personnel, with high-quality, well-paid jobs, and their families to have high quality places to live within a reasonable distance.”
Tulloch is currently working on a planning application for 160 homes at Conon Bridge, adjoining their previous Braes of Conon development. The designs include a mix of 160 affordable and private homes, open space and landscaping and is near the primary school, rail halt and retail premises. The development will also strengthen local connections, in particular by creating a new access route from Broom Court to the north.
Mr Grant said: “Our proposals are for an area that has been allocated for housing development in the Local Development Plan by Highland Council and is a logical and sustainable extension to our existing development, which will be built out in the next couple of years.
“Given all goes smoothly through the planning process, we hope to be on site in 2025, Tulloch’s 100th anniversary year.
READ MORE: More on the Cromarty Firth freeport
“We’ve completed successful Easter Ross developments in Culbokie, Muir of Ord and Fortrose in recent years and found strong levels of demand from people in the area and those relocating from the south.
“We hope the next phase of Conon Braes can continue that process, further growing and supporting the community.”
