Plans for 140 homes at Evanton look set for go-ahead from Highland Council
PLANS that would lead to a significant increase in the population of an Easter Ross village look set to take a significant step forward this week.
Proposals by Highland Housing Alliance for the construction of 140 homes in Evanton over seven phases were to have been considered by councillors earlier this month at the north planning applications committee. However the virtual meeting overran leaving several items awaiting deliberation.
The planning proposal follows extensive public consultation over the bid for a site encompassing two fields at the end of Thomas Maciver Street.
Planning officers have recommended approval for a scheme that will deliver a range of housing for the area. Developer contributions will be required for a two-classroom extension to Kiltearn Primary as the prospective new homes would push the school above a projected threshold that triggers the need for payment.
On top of that there will be additional sums for active travel, green infrastructure, public art and £1019 per unit for community facilities each for the Averon Leisure Centre and the Evanton Sports Centre.
The proposal envisages 40 affordable housing units in phase one consisting of eight two-bedroom houses, 17 three-bedroom semi-detached houses, two two-bedroom, semi-detached bungalows, three three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, two one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and eight two-bedroom flats.
In total 32 private units will be built in the second and third phases with another 23 in phase four. Further phases would follow.
Planning officer Susan Hadfield stated in her report: “The principle of providing housing on this site is supported by the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan.
“The proposal offers the opportunity to deliver a significant amount of affordable and private housing within the village.
“Impacts have been considered mitigated through the design of the proposal with outstanding impacts able to be adequately mitigated through appropriately worded conditions.
“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 within the Development Plan and is acceptable in terms of all other applicable material considerations.”
A special meeting of the planning committee is expected to take place on Friday.
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Go-ahead for homes plan in Evanton