Village future considered

Council: Planning permission bid for 310 new homes to be decided

The population of a Ross-shire village could potentially double in the coming years – with 310 new homes poised for construction on surrounding farmland.

Councillors will decide on Tuesday whether to grant planning permission in principle for Makar Ltd’s proposed 160 homes, on the Novar Estate to the

“I think this is something that has been brought up already”

north-east of Evanton, with planners recommending approval.

And it has emerged that the Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) wants to build 150 homes to the south-west of the village, on agricultural land between Thomas Maciver Street and Swordale Road.

Evanton, which sits close to the Cromarty Firth, is currently home to just over 1,100 people – and the population could theoretically double if all the properties are built and filled with families.

Local hotelier Ralph Mercer cautiously welcomed the plans but said “a lot more needs to be ironed out” in terms of conditions to be enforced, and what contributions the developers will be able to make to the community.

He added: “The main thing is transport links – these will be exceptionally important. There is no train station in Evanton and I think this is something that has been brought up already. Fingers crossed something will happen there.

“It (the housing) is certainly going to benefit the village – but I am keeping an open mind.”

Makar managing director Neil Sutherland said the 160-home development was first tabled in August 2009, but the effect of the global economic recession on the property market delayed construction.

He said: “It’s still an exciting project and we hope to be on site at the end of the year. It is about time. The housing market is not as volatile as elsewhere in the UK and we feel it’s picking up.

“Back in the 1950s there were 20 shops in Evanton and there is just one now (and a post office) and there’s been a gradual erosion of services. This de- velopment will lead to the village being more viable.”

Mr Sutherland said there will also be opportunities for a new shop or small businesses as part of the development.

Depending on the popularity and uptake of the homes, Mr Sutherland believes the development could be finished anytime between five and eight years.

HHA will be holding a drop-in session for their development at Diamond Jubilee Hall in Evanton from 12pm to 4pm on April 21, allowing the public to discuss proposals with the design team.

A public exhibition will also be held at the Cornerstone Cafe in Evanton during normal opening hours, between April 23 and April 27.

Photograph by Sandy McCook AMBITION: Neil Sutherland on the site at Novar, Evanton, where his company, Makar Ltd, wants to build homes.