Decision on affordable homes in Dores delayed

Highland Council has proposed the homes for Dores

Councillors have delayed taking a decision on plans for 17 affordable homes for Dores on the shores of Loch Ness.

Highland Council has proposed a mix of single and two storey properties, mostly two and three-bedroom, but also cottage flats and detached accessible homes.

The homes are planned for a site on sloping fields and higher ground on the northern edge of Dores, to the east of the B862.

Highland Council's south planning committee heard that the housing was needed, but agreed to defer to allow officials time to address concerns from residents of some neighbouring properties.

Dores and Essich Community Council objected to the plans during a public consultation in February.

It said there was no landscaping in the proposals and also argued that the new properties would overlook neighbouring houses.

The community council added that should a "credible" landscape plan be submitted it would be willing to withdraw its objection.

Highland Council officers had recommended that the south planning applications committee approved the development.

Reporting by local democracy journalist Olivia Andrews.