House plans for Tormore ‘agreed in principle’

PLANS to build houses in a forest on Skye are progressing well, according to community council members.

Last November, Sleat Community Council consulted with the community on the princple of selling a small number of house sites on land forming part of Tormore Forest.

Archie MacCalman, chairman of Sleat Community Trust (SLT) said: ‘ The majority of those who attended the consultation agreed in principle that house sales were acceptable in order to re-invest in other community assets and projects.

‘Subsequently, the board of SLT has agreed that three house sites should be created with a view to being sold to fund the redevelopment of the community- owned shop, post office and petrol station at Armadale.

‘ In addition, the trust would also hope to address the remaining debt burden of its ongoing loan commitments.

‘ SLT believes addressing this issue and moving the redevelopment of the Armadale site would be a major step forward in making the trust more resilient and self sufficient, as well as guaranteeing the retention of lifeline facilities for the benefit of the community.

‘ The three sites are located on land forming part of Tormore Forest, beside the public road to Aird, at Capisdal. Currently, the sites are being advanced to planning in principle with Highland Council and the planning applications will be advertised by the council in due course.

‘SCT is still considering creating more affordable housing on the community owned site at Armadale as part of the wider redevelopment.’