Archial Wins Approval For Lochaber’s Largest Housing Development For A Generation

Archial Architects, one of the largest architecture practices in Scotland and the UK, has won planning approval for its proposals to create the largest residential development in Lochaber for 30 years.

The plans to build 301 houses at Caol, Fort William, 105 of which will be affordable properties, has been granted outline permission by the Ross, Skye and Lochaber planning applications committee.

The Lorne Developments scheme is located at the Corpach Moss site, south east of Ardgour Road. Archial’s layout for the development features predominantly two-storey properties in a mix of detached, semi-detached, terraced and flatted units.


A village square with retail space and a pavilion for local sports clubs will also be created whilst a playpark adjacent to the site will be enhanced. Permission was granted unanimously by the committee.

Greg Duncan, Director at Inverness-based Archial Architects, said: "This is a major development of residential and community facilities. The openness of Blar Mhor influenced the overall design and layout, offering opportunity to benefit from the impressive vista towards the Nevis Range.

"The development of the masterplan is based on a landscape framework of woodland structure planting as the template for groupings of buildings coming together, forming relationships and creating space, to have a life of its own and provide a sense of belonging, a sense of place. At the heart of the community is the village square, increasing in density and rising to three storeys as a focal point of the development."

Archial Group Plc employs around 170 staff in Scotland, operating from offices in Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee.

(GK/KMcA)