Green space, cycle paths and history panels feature in latest plan for Highland Council’s new housing at Culloden
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Councillors have given the green light to the first phase of an extensive housing development between Culloden and Balloch in Inverness.
The council will deliver 298 new homes in total, with 49 affordable homes in phase one.
Some city residents have raised concern about a loss of green space.
But the plans pay particular attention to the natural environment.
The council will create a large area of grassland between Barn Church Road and the access to Balloch Farm House.
This area will be landscaped with trees, shrubs and grass. A trim trail play park will cater for all ages, with balance beams, stepping logs, ladder walks and chin-up bars.
Other pockets of landscaping with trees and shrubs will be dotted around the site.
The council has also agreed to retain most of the woodland to the north east of the development. While some trees will be felled, the council says it will add "mixed woodland planting".
This includes low-growing trees such as acer, alder, birch, hawthorn, aspen and willow.
A special entrance to the development will feature a curved stone wall and seating area, with steel information panels outlining the history of the area.
The development is designed to reduce car speeds and encourage people to choose active forms of travel. Road narrowing and raised junction tables will slow cars down, and wide footpaths and cycle lanes will feature alongside roads.
Many pupils of Culloden Academy and Balloch Primary currently cut through Cherry Park to get to school. The council will connect the park to the main road through the development, adding bollards to prevent cars from driving through.
The park will also be fully lit to provide a safer path.
A new junction at Barn Church Road will provide access to the housing development and to the new Culloden Academy.
Councillors approved the plans yesterday.
