The significant milestone paves the way for the delivery of 433 new homes, across a variety of tenures, improved commercial infrastructure, enhanced community amenities, along with local job and training opportunities.

The submissions include a detailed planning application for 300 affordable homes covering social rent (148 homes), mid-market rent (48 homes), New Supply Shared Equity (40 homes), elderly living (33 homes) and student accommodation (31 bedspaces), as well as a planning in principle application for 133 homes for private market sale.

Elsewhere, a planning in principle application has been submitted for the Phase 1 area and future Phase 2 area and a detailed planning application for distributor roads aims to establish key access routes.

The new roundabout on the A85 will enable a new distributor road serving both residential and commercial areas, providing a crucial secondary access point to the existing development and improving road safety for the community.

The development will also include open spaces, play areas, and pathways to enhance community connectivity. Improved links to existing core paths and extension of new routes to the school and village delivered through Phase 3, will further integrate the community.

The elderly living accommodation will feature a common room for community use, and part of the site has been reserved for future community facilities. Extensive landscaping and tree planting will complement the development, mirroring the environmental efforts of Phase 3.

A residential block outlined for student accommodation forms part of the development to support an on-campus solution for the Scottish Association for Marine Science and the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The Dunbeg to Ganavan cycle path will be rerouted to accommodate a pedestrian road crossing, supporting safe and efficient access. A new route for the local Park Run is also being developed, supporting continued community participation in outdoor activities.

Ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council are focused on securing strategic investment in infrastructure and affordable housing. The local Community Council has been part of the Strategic Project Partnership meetings held prior to the planning applications being submitted, and engagement will continue through the Planning Application process.

Building on the success of Phase 3, the construction of Phase 4 is expected to generate significant employment and training opportunities. While specific projections are being finalised, outcomes from Phase 3 provide a strong indication of anticipated benefits:

• Work placements for students: Over 100 placements for individuals aged 14+ (5-day minimum experience).
• Apprenticeships and jobs: Significant opportunities for new apprentices, graduates, and unemployed individuals.
• Training weeks on site: Hundreds of training weeks for apprentices, trainees, and new entrants.
• Industry certifications and qualifications: Accredited training and short-duration certifications for contractors and subcontractors.

Link Group and its partners said they remain committed to fostering local employment, supporting career development in construction, and delivering lasting benefits to the community.

As well as the significant contribution from domestic rates provided by the new housing, the new commercial area will generate substantial non-domestic rates and importantly, provide a new range of amenities to the local communities, along with a variety of new jobs, once the commercial properties are established in the commercial zone Phases 1 and 2.

Link Group commercial director and C~urb managing director Colin Culross said: “We are delighted to have submitted these exciting plans for the next stage of the ambitious Dunbeg Masterplan.

“Not only will this bring 433 new homes to meet diverse needs across the community, but it will also see substantial infrastructure improvements alongside commercial opportunities and enhanced employability.

“We look forward to working with our partners and engaging with the community as these exciting plans are brought to life.”