Planners to debate future of island housing project

A proposal that would see 18 new homes built in Kyleakin on the South of Skye – and boost its population of around 200 by dozens – is to be debated by councillors tomorrow.

The plans would see six semi-detached, four detached and eight cottage flats erected in the Birches area of Kyleakin.

A new access road and drainage facilities to accommodate for new residents would be required with the demolition of existing garages and outbuildings just off of Olaf Road also required should the project be given the green light.

Craig Glenwright, chairman for Kyleakin and Kylerhea Community Council,

“More families moving to the area will be good for the school”

said: “The village feels a need for housing – more social and more private. There is not a great deal of space left in the village for building and at our public meeting the community voiced no great objections, however, there were concerns regarding the access road.

“With Marine Harvest building their factory here housing is required for the people who will work there.

More families moving to the area will be good for the school in terms of keeping up the number of children enrolled.”

The proposal, put forward by Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association (LSHA), would see all but four of the new homes fall under the affordable housing bracket increasing the number of potential buyers.

LSHA is seeking to reach its target of 200 affordable properties across the area by 2023.

The extensive development is recommended for approval by housing planners.

Highland Council’s north planning applications committee will meet tomorrow to debate the application.