Located to the south of the city, the 25.2-acre development is near the A9 interchange and has been managed by Glasgow-based property group Park Lane. Featuring 400 homes, importantly 50% of the housing is set to be affordable and will include a mix of apartments and family homes, attractive to a range of demographics.

As well as homes that are available for private sale, a selection of the housing will be used exclusively for mid-market rent, giving further tenure options for local people as the demand for new rental homes across the city continues to outstrip supply.

Designed by the Inverness team at architect firm, ThreeSixty Architecture, the masterplan encompasses plentiful green space, children’s play areas and active transport links that will connect the development to nearby amenities. Retention of the existing trees has also been detailed in plans.

The site will also feature a commercial use to the north, that was green-lighted by The Highland Council in a separate planning application in May 2023. This eight-acre site is expected to attract a range of businesses and services, including potential for community uses.

Park Lane and HHA have also committed to significant developer contributions as part of the planning conditions. This includes funding for local schools and community infrastructure.

Brian Clarke, joint managing director at Park Lane, said: “Alongside the wider project team, we are incredibly pleased to secure planning approval from The Highland Council to deliver a mixed-use development that will provide long-term housing options for the local community.

“The lack of social housing across the Highland region has been well-documented and by including a 50% provision in our masterplan, we will help to alleviate the pressurised market that has no signs of slowing. Our planning application represents significant investment to the region, that will create positive economic and social benefit to residents for generations to come.”

Throughout the planning process, HHA and Park Lane have engaged with key stakeholders in community consultation exercises, including Inshes and Milton of Leys Community Council, to gather feedback that has been reflected in final proposals.

Gail Matheson, CEO at HHA, said: “HHA wholly welcomes the successful planning determination and we now look forward to now bringing our vision to life in partnership with Park Lane, The Highland Council and Scottish Government.

“The new development at Milton of Leys represents one of the largest purpose-built developments in Inverness in the last ten years. Importantly, the mix of ownership and tenure options will be beneficial for many groups of people that are in need of a new home and it is a model that should be considered by more developers going forward, given its attractiveness to more than one demographic.

“The Highland-wide Local Development Plan identifies that there is an acute need for more affordable housing options and HHA is pleased to help push forward their ambitious housing targets.”