Views wanted on plans for up to 600 homes in Ardersier

Public views have been sought on plans to build up to 600 homes in Ardersier.

Highland Council has proposed creating a development plan for the village, near Nairn, to help it "speed up" the delivery of new housing.

The local authority hopes to see 24,000 new homes constructed across its region over the next 10 years.

It is holding an event next Wednesday at Ardersier's War Memorial Hall, and has also asked people to submit comments by email at MCA@highland.gov.uk or online.

Springfield Properties, whose headquarters are in Elgin, plans to develop farmland at Ardersier Mains.

The development would include plots for up to 600 homes and land for potential use for retail, education, health and community woodland.

Highland Council said 100 people attended an earlier event held on the proposals.

Economy and infrastructure chairman Ken Gowans said: "Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping how this potential development could evolve.

"This second public session will provide further space for open, one‑to‑one discussion."

He added: "By taking part, you can help ensure that any future proposals for the area are informed by the people who know Ardersier best."

Highland Council said new homes were needed to meet demands for affordable housing, and workers moving to jobs at the new Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.

Ardersier has a population of about 1,200 people and is in an area of the Inner Moray Firth which has seen new homes already built in Nairn and Tornagrain.

The nearby Ardersier Port is a former oil and gas fabrication yard and is currently being redeveloped as a site to support offshore renewables.

The 450-acre (182ha) site forms part of the green freeport which is expected to create more than 11,000 jobs over the next 25 years.

Chinese firm Mingyang announced plans last year for a £1.5bn wind turbine manufacturing facility and creation of 1,500 jobs at the port.

The UK government said last month it expected to make a decision on the project "soon".