Council listens to community concerns

Following a meeting between Highland Council officers and members of the South Kessock Community, including the Friends of Merkinch Nature Reserve, the council has decided not to proceed with a new housing project adjacent to the Merkinch Nature reserve.

At the meeting, held on Monday, members of the community raised concerns over the potential impact the new housing may have on the nature reserve including the building of a new flood defence aimed to protect new and existing properties.

The proposals presented reflected the Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief which was adopted in 2015 and safeguarded an area of land owned by the council for housing.

A council spokesman said: “Prior to proceeding with any potential development the Council seeks the views of the local community and having listened to the concerns of the South Kessock community we have decided not to proceed with these proposals at this time. The delivery of much needed affordable homes remains a priority for Highland Council and we will continue to investigate alternative proposals elsewhere in order to meet the Scottish Governments housing targets.”