The new sites collectively offer a capacity for 838 homes, aiming to boost economic growth and meet the housing demand in the region. 

This includes a new coastal development in Delnies, Nairn where the housebuilder will deliver a variety of new home styles to meet different needs, including those looking to step on to the housing ladder, homes for growing families, and those looking to downsize.

The development, which benefits from looking out to the mouth of the Moray Firth and Black Isle, will deliver 75 affordable homes, supporting the Highland Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan.

Works have already started on the site, including the construction of a new roundabout off the A96 to access the Barratt and David Wilson Homes development, the wider masterplan area and the neighbouring site at Sandown. Long term plans include enhancing accessibility into Nairn for residents, providing dedicated safe routes for walking and cycling.

The homes will be located close to Ardersier and will support the wider investment in the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, which is expected to bring over 10,000 jobs to the local area, which substantially increases the need for a variety of new homes in the region.

At the beginning of the year, the housebuilder sold out its final homes at Ness Castle, southwest of Inverness city centre. Since opening its doors to homeowners in 2015, Barratt Homes North Scotland has sold nearly 500 properties at the popular development and has invested heavily in the local area and community – from supporting Ness Castle Primary School and developing local infrastructure, to retaining the mature trees at the South Loch Ness trail.

Following the success of Ness Castle, Barratt and David Wilson Homes recently purchased a site at nearby Ness Side for 138 homes, with a planning application to be submitted in late summer. The site is located close to the River Ness on the west side of Inverness with easy access to the city centre.

The housebuilder is also planning another development at Milton of Leys, Inverness. Pending approval, the site will deliver 400 homes, providing a variety of homes to suit homebuyers alongside the provision of much needed affordable homes.

David Palmer, managing director for Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland, said: “Our plans for further expansion in Inverness will help to meet the demand for high-quality, affordable homes in the area. Previously ranked as the happiest place to live in Scotland, Inverness boasts easy access to breath-taking glens, lochs, mountains and beaches.

“With the successes of our Inverness sites, Ness Castle, Culloden West and Mains of Culduthel selling out, we’ve seen an increase in employment opportunities and quality of life, as people find themselves at home in rural areas.

“As we move into a new phase of activity, this is an exciting time for the region. Employment in the area will benefit and we’ll begin to see the investment opportunities that our upcoming developments in Inverness will bring. We look forward to meeting prospective buyers’ desires for suburban living with our new sites planned for Inverness and Nairn.”