Proposed homes near Culloden Battlefield approved

A proposed housing development opposed by the National Trust for Scotland because the site is close to Culloden Battlefield has secured approval.

Inverness Properties plan to build 16 homes at Viewhill, which is about half a mile from the location of the battle.

Highland councillors refused the developer planning permission.

But, following an appeal by Inverness Properties, a Scottish government-appointed planning official has granted permission with conditions.

Fought on 16 April 1746 near Inverness, Prince Charles Edward Stuart and his Jacobite force were defeated at Culloden by a government army led by the Duke of Cumberland.

The fighting took place over a wider area than the parts of the battlefield that are in the care of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).

Culloden is on a battlefield inventory put together by Historic Scotland.

The Scottish government-appointed reporter has decided that planning permission can be granted subject to an agreement being reached on a financial contribution from the developer towards affordable housing and footpaths.

A government spokesperson said: "Once this agreement has been reached, the reporter will issue his final decision on the appeal.

"The reporter has agreed with Historic Scotland that it is unlikely that the proposal would have any impact on the character and ambience of the battlefield."