Approval granted for 66 new homes near planned freeport

Plans for 66 new homes on land on the edge of Invergordon have been given the green light by the Highland Council's North Area Planning committee. The consent is the first granted in the area since the nearby Inverness and Cromarty Firth was awarded freeport status. The Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is expected to create around 10,000 new jobs locally in the coming years.

Rhona Donnelly, managing director of developer Capstone Construction, said: "We're not only looking forward to delivering a housing development which Invergordon can be proud of, but also working with the planning department and the local community together with their representatives to safeguard the ancient woodland at Rosskeen for future generations." Calum MacPherson, chief executive of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, commented: "The granting of permission to this much needed mix of affordable and private housing is an extremely positive statement from the Highland Council and is further testament to their commitment to growing the Highland economy and maximising the once in a generation opportunities that the fFreeport will bring. "Not only will the new development in Invergordon mark a significant step in providing housing for skilled workers moving to the area - importantly, it will also provide affordable housing for those that wish to stay and work in the region."

The 6.2 hectare development at Rosskeen should comprise a combination of affordable housing and private dwellings, as well as associated infrastructure and a new woodland neighbouring the scheme.

Capstone Construction also has plans in place for the protection and enhancement of existing areas of ancient woodland to the north east and south of the site, with the intention of placing the area under community ownership, much like the nearby Evanton Community Woodland.

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