Hundreds of homes and railway yard seek approval

Plans for up to 380 new homes in Inverness could be granted planning permission in principle next week.

Robertson Homes has proposed building the properties at Westercraigs, an area zoned for housing on the west side of the city.

The new development would included a minimum of 25% affordable housing.

Highland Council planning officers have recommended the south planning applications committee grant the permission.

The meeting on Wednesday is also to consider proposals for a railway sidings yard and a connection to the Inverness-Aberdeen line at a chipboard and timber factory near Dalcross, east of Inverness.

West Fraser Europe said the yard could remove about 20,000 lorry movements a year from the nearby A96.

Councillors have been asked to grant full planning permission.