SPRINGFIELD Properties has announced it is appealing the Highland Council’s decision to reject plans for 47 new homes at its Drumnadrochit development, as the site’s mailing list rises to almost 500 interested buyers.
The housebuilder said the number of people keen to find out more about new homes in the area highlights the appetite for new ‘high-quality and energy efficient’ properties in the Highlands.
With just one home left from the initial phase of homes that went on sale in 2022, Springfield sought permission to deliver the second phase of housing and infrastructure in the village.
However, despite recommendations for approval by council officials following an assessment that confirmed Springfield’s proposal complied with national and local planning policy requirements, the council refused planning permission in February.
The application is part of a larger site allocated for residential development in the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan, which Springfield said is essential for the future of local communities and required to meet the demands of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF), which is anticipated to create up to 10,000 jobs.
Dave Main, Springfield Properties MD (north), said, “We were surprised and disappointed to see our plans for Drumnadrochit refused, particularly given the critical need for high-quality housing throughout the Highlands. We know that there is a need to generate and sustain local employment for the existing community and that additional housing is essential to meet the demands of the upcoming investment the Green Freeport will attract. There is no option other than to provide this critical infrastructure.
“Many of the interested buyers on our ever-increasing mailing list share our sentiment, many of whom have grown up in the village and want to stay here. There’s a clear public appetite and economic benefit for these homes and we remain optimistic that our appeal to the Scottish Government will result in a favourable outcome.”
Katie MacDiarmid (27), a first time buyer, has been on the mailing list for over a year, having set her heart on purchasing a Springfield home with her fiancé. “I’ve lived in Drumnadrochit my whole life and always dreamed of staying here,” she explained, “As a nurse at Raigmore Hospital, I love being able to come home to the countryside and it’s such a beautiful place to live. However, as a first time buyer it’s been a real struggle so far as the high demand is pushing most properties in the area far outwith mine and my fiancé Michael’s budget.
“We’ve been house hunting for years and when we heard of the possibility of a new phase at Springfield’s development, we held off purchasing elsewhere. A new build home at a fixed price that doesn’t need any renovation works, would suit us ideally and help us to take that first step on the property ladder.”
