Rage over plans for new homes in Milton of Leys
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CONTROVERSIAL plans for 36 homes as part of a scheme which would also include commercial facilities plus a play area and a site for community use have been approved in principle by planners despite objections from neighbouring residents.
Highland Council is recommending formal approval of the scheme at Castleton Village in Milton of Leys and a final decision is expected to be made in due course.
Neighbouring residents who have lodged objections to the development claim site owner Tulloch Homes pledged not to build on the plot.
One of the six individuals who submitted objections claimed: "I am currently in possession of a written letter from Tulloch Homes in 2000 and signed by a director which states that there will be no building on the land between the near boundaries of plots 55-66 at Castleton Village.
"Tulloch Homes have now decided they wish to be greedy and make money on a green area they promised would be left as a green area."
Someone else said: "This area is a green wedge which adds to the quality of life for residents.
"To build on this area would result in the loss of a valuable community space. The loss of the green space would be acutely felt."
Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans who represents the area said: "I have seen the letter from Tulloch Homes in which they have made it absolutely clear to the residents that they would never be building on that site.
"The residents bought their houses in good faith and its very difficult to see how that can be revoked now. It’s difficult to see how that letter can be ignored."
Tulloch Homes decided not to comment on the controversial letter cited by residents, despite being invited to do so.
The firm’s press statement said: "We have worked closely, as always, with the council’s planning service and other related parties prior to finalising a layout.
"We have gone through the normal consultation process at Milton of Leys. This site has a mix of affordable housing and housing for the first time buyer – both badly needed in Inverness.
"It also includes play areas, a kick-about pitch and a site identified for community use, thus providing additional facilities for the residents of Milton of Leys.
"The vast majority of homes are near the road and the kick-about pitch."
