Plans for 112 new homes in Dornoch are a 'logical extension', says developer Springfield Properties
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More than 100 homes are planned in a major housing development in Dornoch. Developers want to build 112 homes on land 120 metres north of Glenburn Station Road.
The application to Highland Council has been made by Mr Stuart Morrison of Elgin-based Springfield Properties PLC and follows on from two previous phases for a new wave of housing in the town.
The latest scheme also proposes 230 car parking spaces for the development on the 8.6-hectare rough agricultural land.
The developers say it is "designed as a logical extension to the built-up area with the express purpose of providing new, high quality homes for families, first time buyers and older people in a range of detached, semi-detached houses and flats with associated open space, landscaping, road networks, linkages, and drainage".
"The proposals will meet the requirements to provide 25 per cent affordable housing throughout the site. This will come forward in phases alongside the private housing as the development progresses," say supporting documents.
Planting around the development will form "green networks and provide a substantial green setting".
The area originally received planning permission in 2012 before Springfield bought the site in June 2013.
Since then, using an approved masterplan as the template for development, Springfield has received the grant of planning permission for 33 homes for a first phase which is now complete and occupied, and planning permission for a further 49 homes – 37 private homes and 12 affordable homes – in a second phase which is now under way.
"During the course of the most recent application, it became clear that many of the conclusions reached in the approved masterplan and associated documents have become somewhat outdated," says an accompanying document from the developers.
"In addition, there has been a change in planning policy as the Sutherland Local Plan was replaced by the Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan in 2018 and although the requirements prescribed for the site are almost exactly the same, given this material change in circumstance, Springfield have prepared an updated masterplan document to replace the original document and support our proposals for phases 3 and 4."
It adds: "The aim is to integrate the site into the town whilst maintaining its distinct rural character as much as possible. The road types provided within the development have an integrated footpath network and as part of a previous phase, the Embo Road has been widened and upgraded to allow use by pedestrians and cyclists.
"In addition to the road paths, links to the south are proposed to connect directly into the Cnoc-An-Lobht and North Street and recreational footpaths along the Esker, through woodland, are proposed within the site.
"A meadow and parkland is proposed in and around the updated flood risk envelope. New woodland is proposed on the steeper slopes which connect into a network of new structure planting through the site.
"The development will provide areas of open space where existing woodland and enhanced woodland planting can be enjoyed by the community.
"Open spaces and woodland areas will be connected by formal and informal paths providing opportunities for connections within the site and to the facilities in Dornoch.
"All car parking shall be future-proofed to facilitate the uptake in electric vehicles. EV charging equipment is to be fitted in all houses as standard in order to be conveniently accessible, easy to use and safe with charging points within house plot curtilages. In communal areas access will also be provided, including visitor spaces and car share, as required spaces. Electric car charging points will be provided at all commercial and community parking facilities."
