Homes near Loch Ness approved following appeal by developer
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A 93-home development near Loch Ness has been given the go-ahead after previously being refused by Highland councillors.
The proposed project at Drum Farm, south of Drumnadrochit fire station, has been granted permission by a Scottish Government reporter who overturned the council's decision.
It follows an appeal by developer Springfield Properties which also successfully appealed the council's decision to refuse its plans for a nursery, office space and retail at the same location.
The development, which includes 24 affordable homes, prompted a range of concerns including the density of housing, layout and design.
The risk of flooding and traffic and access were also raised.
Objectors also maintained the proposals contravened the local development plan.
But in overturning the council's decisions, reporter Allison Coard said a range of conditions and legal agreements could address the concerns raised.
In her judgement, she acknowledged there was some frustration that the submitted scheme differed to an extent from that outlined in the local development plan and what the community may have envisaged in that context.
"My conclusion is that the local development plan allows some flexibility and that the proposal enables the proposed mixed use approach, significant investment and the delivery of housing including affordable housing," she said.
"I have not found the proposal to be unacceptable in terms of its identified impacts. Nor have I found that it would compromise the design and other objectives for the site.
"Other issues are raised about the extent of property on the market and the impact on house prices but these are not land use planning considerations that would influence this decision."
Related story: Developer to appeal after council rejects plans for 93 homes in Drumnadrochit
