Homes 'a boon' for Avoch says councillor
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DOZENS of new social homes in a Black Isle village will be a real boon for local residents, a councillor believes.
Black Isle ward member Cllr Craig Fraser was commenting after the North Planning Applications Committee approved plans for 34 homes in Avoch.
A number of residents and the local community council had raised concerns over the plans for the site at Memorial Field in Station Road – citing the height of some of the buildings in an elevated spot, concerns over additional traffic and the impact of the scheme on local drainage.
However, Cairn Housing Association’s proposals were recommended for approval by Highland Council planning officers, and voted through by the committee on Tuesday.
The new estate will feature 18 three-bedroom homes, two four-bedroom houses, six two-bedroom bungalows and a further eight one-bedroom flats within two blocks.
Cllr Fraser welcomed the development, citing a need for social housing for local residents. He also praised a condition extending the village’s 20mph limit out past the development, and another requiring the creation of a play park within the estate. There will also be cash for local education provision.
“There is much to welcome in this development as it will built along the same lines as the affordable properties in Munlochy and Culbokie,” he said.
But he added there were legitimate local concerns over a number of factors, including rising traffic levels on the A832, and that in future he wished to see “the concerns of the community council and Avoch residents taken seriously, by way of increased dialogue with the Highland Council planning officers, applicant, community council and Avoch residents.”
