Flats could be added to village as Highland Housing Alliance submit plans for 15 two-bedroomed affordable apartments in Drumnadrochit
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Plans for a new housing development in Drumnadrochit have been lodged with Highland Council.
Highland Housing Alliance wants to build a total of three two and 2.5-storey blocks, consisting of 15 two-bedroomed affordable flats.
They would be at the former Scotmid site and neighbouring car park in Balmacaan Road.
According to the planning application, the site covers an area of 2111 square metres and it is proposed that vehicle access to or from the public road will be altered.
The design statement, which was submitted as part of the application, states: “The site is a prominent corner location in the village and although it is visible from the A82, it is largely obscured from a distance by mature trees from all directions other than the A82 approach going south-east. A new retail unit to replace the one on this site was opened on an adjacent site further along the A82 in 2019.”
The former Drum Takeaway, which is still on the site, is described as being derelict and disused since that time. The report states: “It is a very unattractive large flat roofed ‘carbuncle’ averaging 8m in height. The site is very much in need of redevelopment with a sensitively designed scheme which fits its prominent location.”
Local residents, as well as the neighbouring Glenurquhart Shinty Club, have been consulted through Glen Urquhart Community Council.
The report states: “The current design is the most appropriate design solution after reviewing the various available options and incorporating the pre-application consultation comments.”
According to the design statement, because of the prominent location, it was important to create a building of distinction utilising a sympathetic palette of materials responding to the local context.
It adds: “The existing play park area will remain in its current location, remote from the A82 and will benefit from natural surveillance from the proposed flats.”
