Internationally-renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell, whose landmark designs include the Thames-side MI6 headquarters and Inchon International Airport in Seoul, will now begin work in earnest on the detailed designs for the first phase of the development at the former Barmac oil fabrication yard near Ardersier.

It will comprise about 400 houses and other facilities, based around a small traditional harbour. Whiteness Property Company hopes to submit a detailed planning application to Highland Council by Easter and to start work on the preliminary infrastructure by the summer.

Highland Council initially approved the proposal last November subject to certain conditions, including a legal agreement covering marine issues and the application being referred to Scottish ministers as a departure from the approved structure plan. It was then referred back to the council which has now issued consent, clearing the way for Sir Terry to draw up a detailed scheme.

Stewart Fulton, the company's planning manager, was delighted Whiteness had cleared the latest stage. "Our commitment to transparency in all our dealings from the outset has served us well and we are most grateful for the widespread support we have had from both the folk in the area, and the various public bodies with whom we have been dealing," he said.

Ronnie Fraser, a senior director of the company, also welcomed the news.

"Securing planning consent for our proposals in such a short time, and with such strong public support, is a great tribute to all those involved," he said. "Our commitment to creating a quality benchmark in planning and design in the Highland area is stronger than ever, and speaking as both a local and as a director of the company, I am looking forward greatly to seeing development on the ground getting under way."

Using sustainable principles, Whiteness has cleaned and cleared the site which over the past six months has been stripped of its industrial hardware.

Most of the buildings have been demolished and every piece of metal despatched south for recycling, while the massive concrete foundations have been dug up and crushed on site into re-usable sizes of aggregate.

The infrastructure work will be undertaken by Inverness engineering firm, A F Crudens.

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