A major development of 300 affordable homes in Dunbeg has been approved by Argyll and Bute Council’s planning committee.

The properties, which are being developed by Link Group, consist of 89 one-bedroom flats; 141 two-bed houses and flats (mostly houses); 67 three-bed houses and flats and 13 four-bed houses.

Planning committee members agreed with the officers’ recommendation for approval.

Policy lead for planning and regulatory services, Councillor David Kinniburgh, said: “The planning, protective services and licensing committee was pleased to approve the application by Link Group Ltd for 300 houses at Dunbeg.

“This represents a £3.6 million investment from the council, through its Strategic Housing Fund, to ensure that Oban has the affordable housing its residents need and deserve.

“It was a challenging site to develop, but the mixture of housing options, recreational spaces for young people and exceptional natural location will make it a sought after place to settle. The prospects for growing our population, the economy and Oban’s place as a university town are very exciting.”

The council previously agreed a masterplan for the development at Dunbeg. However, the new detailed application will see the homes built on a “slightly more compact and condensed” site than originally planned.

Colin Culross, director of development & asset management, Link Group Ltd, told our sister publication Scottish Housing News: “We are delighted the council’s planning committee unanimously approved the planner’s recommendations. This approval marks a step change in delivering affordable homes in Oban and sees the realisation of the development of the Dunbeg corridor, first initiated by West Highland Housing Association, a subsidiary of Link Group Ltd.

“We now look forward to delivering these homes with our construction partner MacLeod Construction Ltd, and with funding support from Scottish Government and Argyll & Bute Council, who have both been essential in the making this project a reality.”