Highland Council approves bid for 400 homes at Milton of Leys
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Property group Hazledene and not-for-profit developer the Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) have secured planning permission from Highland Council to deliver a mixed-use development comprising 400 private and affordable homes at Milton of Leys.
Located to the south of the city, the 25.2 acre development is near the A9 interchange and half the housing will be affordable, including a mix of apartments and family homes that are attractive to a range of demographics.
As well as homes that are available for private sale, a selection of the housing will be used exclusively for mid-market-rent, giving further tenure options for locals as the demand for new rental homes across the city continues to outstrip supply.
Designed by the Inverness team at ThreeSixty Architecture, the masterplan encompasses green space, children’s play areas and active transport links that will connect the development to nearby amenities.
The site will also feature a commercial use to the north of the site, that was given the green-light by the council in a separate planning application back in May – that eight-acre site is expected to attract a range of businesses and services, including community uses.
The project has been managed by Glasgow-based property group, Park Lane, and together with and te HHA have committed to significant developer contributions. So as part of the planning conditions they will pay an estimated £4.3 million for Millburn Academy, Milton of Leys Primary as well as community facilities.
Brian Clarke, joint managing director at Park Lane, said: “Alongside the wider project team, we are incredibly pleased to secure planning approval from The Highland Council to deliver a mixed-use development that will provide long-term housing options for the local community.
“The lack of social housing across the Highland region has been well-documented and by including a 50 per cent provision in our masterplan, we will help to alleviate the pressurised market that has no signs of slowing. Our planning application represents significant investment to the region, that will create positive economic and social benefit to residents for generations to come.”
Throughout the planning process, HHA and Park Lane have engaged with key stakeholders in community consultation exercises, including Inshes and Milton of Leys Community Council, to gather feedback that has been reflected in final proposals.
Gail Matheson, CEO at HHA, said: “HHA wholly welcomes the successful planning determination and we now look forward to now bringing our vision to life in partnership with Park Lane, The Highland Council and Scottish Government.
“The new development at Milton of Leys represents one of the largest purpose-built developments in Inverness in the last ten years. Importantly, the mix of ownership and tenure options will be beneficial for many groups of people that are in need of a new home and it is a model that should be considered by more developers going forward, given its attractiveness to more than one demographic.
“The Highland-wide Local Development Plan identifies that there is an acute need for more affordable housing options and HHA is pleased to help push forward their ambitious housing targets.”
