Tulloch Homes lodges plans with Highland Council for next phase of the Slackbuie housing development in Inverness
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A total of 49 new homes could be built in Inverness in the latest phase of the Slackbuie development in the city.
Plans have been lodged with Highland Council and planning officers have the application under consideration.
As well as the new houses the applicant, Tulloch Homes, will also construct associated landscaping, roads and infrastructure at the site 110 metres south east of Earls Gate.
The developer has already had pre-application discussions with council officers and the feedback received on the proposal was described as positive.
According to the planning application the site for the development covers an area of 1.99 hectares and is described as vacant land.
Planning permission for five separate sites of the Slackbuie development, including the area covered by the latest application, was originally granted in May 2008 and construction work has already been started in three of those areas.
Supporting information, which was submitted as part of the application, states: “Since then, the overall development layout has continually evolved and further applications for individual pockets submitted for planning approval.”
According to the information the site, which is in the south of the city, slopes, and the report states: “As noted, the site slope not only presents the biggest challenge, but also creates opportunities.
“The layout and design have been developed to minimise the removal of excavated materials off site, while private garden levels have been designed to reduce or remove the need for significant retaining walls.
“This also provides opportunities for some excellent north-facing views from a number of areas within the site and the orientation of many of the plots will ensure they are naturally energy efficient.”
The application proposes a mix of house types and a public art entrance feature will be created at the northernmost access point.
The report states: “Generous public open space will be created at the centre of the site. Active frontage will be created to all of these routes as well as the open space with use of corner turner house styles creating a pleasant and safe environment throughout.
“The existing stepped footpath outwith the site on the north-west boundary will be widened to 3m in order to meet The Highland Council’s Active Travel requirements.”
According to the report the designs for the houses were sympathetic to the other areas and have feature panels finished in timber effect, and grey concrete roof tiles.
The report adds: “A mix of semi-detached and detached house styles are proposed.
“A looped vehicle access will allow through access, with a central area of public open space being provided.
“Active street frontages will be created throughout, and use of hedges to delineate front gardens and street planting will ensure vehicle parking doesn’t dominate the streetscapes.”
