Highland Council Inverness housing estate at Torvean - new visuals released
New visuals have been released of how a planned new Highland Council housing estate in Inverness could look.
The council wants to build 118 new homes on part of the former Torvean Golf Course.
It has applied to build the development of "much-needed affordable housing" on land between General Booth Road and the Caledonian Canal.
In January this year concerns were raised about flood risk in parts of the site with a report from the council flood management team pointing out houses in the western part of the development (phase 3) would be on a raised area with lower ground around it.
Flooding from the Torvean Drain was predicted to affect the areas around the development, including the access from General Booth Road.
However the report added: "It is anticipated that emergency vehicles would be able to access the site and safe dry pedestrian access would be available along a raised area of ground to the east. A formal footpath will need to be provided to ensure that it is available for all abilities.
"Care will need to be taken when designing and landscaping the site to ensure that there is no land raising in the flood risk areas and to ensure that the identified flood flow routes are retained.
"Although we have no objection to the development on the grounds of flood risk at the moment, it is noted that SEPA have asked for further flood modelling to be carried out.”
A flood risk assessment now submitted as part of supporting information alongside the application states: “The site layout has been designed so that the proposed properties are located outwith the flood risk area.”
It adds that flood risk from the Caledonian Canal is believed to be low, but given the extent of damage that could be caused if it were to occur mitigation measures are planned with “finished floor levels” set above the level of the Torvean Fuse Weir.
The report adds: “Flood risk from other sources including flooding from surface water flooding, sewer flooding and groundwater flood have also been assessed.
“Flood risk from those sources is considered to be low provided that appropriate mitigation measures are incorporated into the design of the site including installation of an appropriate drainage system, setting finished floor levels above surrounding ground level and profiling ground levels to route overland flow around and away from buildings.”
The residential unit mix being sought comprises: nine 3-bed cottage flats; 30 2-bed cottage flats: six one-bed cottage flats; 28 two-bed houses; 39 three-bed houses; three four-bed houses; and three five-bed houses.
