Muir of Ord set for housing boost?

DEVELOPERS of a proposed housing site at Muir of Ord rejected three years ago because of traffic and pedestrian safety issues have lodged a fresh bid.

A total of 104 homes, including 26 “affordable” units, are planned for the site at Lochan Corr, Black Isle Road on the south side of Blair of Tarradale Farm.

Road safety issues and the increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic on the A832 Black Isle Road close to Tarradale Primary School and at the substandard junction of the Black Isle Road and Seaforth Road were concerns back in 2015.

Agents The Mackay and Robertson Partnership cite improved connectivity to existing footpaths and a safe pedestrian route to the village centre.

The planned improvements to pedestrian and cycling links between the site and the village centre include a new shared cycle/footway on the south side of the A832 Black Isle Road; new footways on both sides of the two proposed site access junctions; improvements to the width of the north footway and new footpaths on the western and eastern boundaries of the site and improvements at the Black Isle Road/Seaforth Road junction.

The new plans also include a contribution towards a new bridge over the railway, landscaping proposals and a development in phases not exceeding 20 units per year.

Detailed development plans would be lodged after the principle of development is agreed by Highland Council which will consider the scheme.