Councillors are being asked to approve Muir of Ord's biggest housing development, despite concerns about flood risk, additional demands on the road network and a lack of local amenities.

The Ross, Skye and Lochalsh planning committee will resume its deliberations about Aviemore and Highland Development Ltd's proposals for the 120-home scheme on a site visit at Broomhill Farm.

The estate would be serviced by a new access road leading from West Road via a mini-roundabout to the west of Urray Free Church. The access road would also service Broomhill Cottages and the remainder of Broomhill Farm to the west, with the existing access to the cottages being closed off.


The development would feature a mix of detached and semi-detached homes and bungalows, together with a terrace of six houses. The houses would be one and two storeys. The planning application prompted six letters of objection, from five households and on behalf of the Free Church of Scotland.

Concerns ranged from traffic congestion and the adequacy of the local sewage system, to the sparsity of general amenities and the impact on wildlife. The applicant claims to have addressed the community's concerns.

Muir of Ord Community Council has highlighted a long list of issues, and demanded planning conditions including an agreed element of so-called "affordable housing" and a comprehensive flood risk assessment.

Scottish Water has no objections, but has said that due to the size of the development a connection is "not guaranteed" and that water and wastewater treatment works currently have limited capacity. Highland Council's housing department is insisting on its usual level of 25% of properties being "affordable".

(GK/JM)