The housebuilder said its mailing list for buyers interested in the site has risen to almost 500, representing around half of the current population of the village. This highlights the appetite for new high-quality and energy efficient homes in the Highlands, the firm added.

With just one home left from the initial phase of homes that went on sale in 2022, Springfield sought permission to deliver the anticipated second phase of housing and infrastructure in the village.

However, despite recommendations for approval by council officials following an assessment that confirmed Springfields’ proposal complied with National and Local Planning Policy requirements, the Highland Council refused planning permission in February 2024.

The application is part of a larger site allocated for residential development in the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan that is essential for the future of local communities and is needed to meet the demands of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF), which is anticipated to create up to 10,000 jobs.

Dave Main, Springfield Properties, managing director (north), said: “We were surprised and disappointed to see our plans for Drumnadrochit refused, particularly given the critical need for high-quality housing throughout the Highlands.

“We know that there is a need to generate and sustain local employment for the existing community and that additional housing is essential to meet the demands of the upcoming investment the Green Freeport will attract. There is no option other than to provide this critical infrastructure.

“Many of the interested buyers on our ever-increasing mailing list share our sentiment, many of whom have grown up in the village and want to stay here. There’s a clear public appetite and economic benefit for these homes and we remain optimistic that our appeal to the Scottish Government will result in a favourable outcome.”