LETTERS: ‘All these new Conon Bridge houses despite health services fit to burst!’
Village house growth prompts calls for better infrastructure
On Monday, the Ross-shire Journal reported how detailed plans to build 160 new homes in Conon Bridge had been approved by Highland Council.
The new development by Tulloch Homes will see more private and affordable homes for the area, which already faces significant housing shortages - a problem some expect to become more acute as demand from the Cromarty Firth freeport zone starts to come into play.
Our readers took to social media to share their thoughts.
Steven Brash stated: “Typical Highland Council, erecting hundreds more homes in a village without adding the needed infrastructure to hold it.”
Audrey Campbell added: “Think Conon Bridge is going to be a town soon rather than a village.”
Bethany Sharratt said: “That’s great! It should hopefully help with the horrendous housing crisis up here.”
Amanda Munro stated: “Heaven help the Highlands if another pandemic strikes! All these new houses over the region and no thought of the health services required, which are already fit to burst!”
Jackie Stuart added: “I am all for building houses to help folk get on the property ladder or more social housing, but where are the children going to go to school? And our health service already can’t deliver for the community we have now!”
New chapter for care home as innovative homes plan revealed
News came on July 9 that Ullapool’s former care home, Mo Dhachaidh, is set is receive a £1.1m refurbishment to transform the former staff accommodation blocks into four one-bedroom accessible homes.
Albyn Housing Society, which is behind the new plans, says it hopes the refurbishment will mean the village “can retain some form of care provision”.
The challenges facing the care home sector have been well documented and the original shock closure of Mo Dhachaidh prompted much soul searching as to future provision for local people.
There has been a generally positive reaction to the latest turn of events.
Readers took to the Ross-shire Journal Facebook page to share their thoughts.
Local councillor, Liz Kraft, said: “This is fantastic news for the community — and all credit to the community for campaigning for their vision. Ullapudlians are awesome!”
Nadine Farquhar stated: “£1.1m on four homes! You could build new ones for that. Crazy!”
