Kirkwood Homes Appeal Inverness Housing Plan Rejection to Government

A developer wants to build homes near Inverness. Highland Council rejected their plans. The developer, Kirkwood Homes, submitted them in 2022. They wanted to construct 80 houses.

The council refused the application last December, using delegated powers. The council cited conflict with a local plan and other guidelines. Kirkwood Homes has now appealed to the Scottish Government.

The project includes 20 affordable homes. Allan Rae, the land director for Kirkwood Homes, expressed disappointment about the refusal, believing the project addresses housing shortages.

Rae says they addressed council concerns. He thinks the site is ready to build, and he hopes the appeal succeeds. Highland Council declared a ‘housing challenge,’ while other areas have declared housing emergencies.

The Highlands need up to 24,000 homes in ten years. David Mudie, who manages area planning for the council, cited location and design issues, and he also noted poor transport and connectivity.

Helen Louise Ross, a neighbor of the project, said it lacks pedestrian access. She believes this impacts safety and she objected to the plan earlier.