More than 40 new homes approved for Isle of Harris

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has granted planning permission, subject to conditions, for 46 affordable homes in Tarbert in Harris.

The proposal by Hebridean Housing Partnership at Scott Road received unanimous backing from the full council.

The development is to be delivered in two phases with 24 homes by 2027-28 and 22 more by 2029-30, subject to funding.

Also planned are a new small play area, an upgrade of an existing nearby play park, and improved footpath connections to East Tarbert.

Harris councillor Kenneth MacLeod said a shortage of housing on the island had "stifled economic development for years", and a report by the comhairle's chief planning described the scheme as a "substantial benefit" to housing supply.

The report added: "The provision of new affordable housing for social rent in an area of high housing demand would make a material contribution to the local housing supply."

The sloping and rocky site would require extensive work, including rock excavation through blasting or drilling to level the ground.

Three objections were received to the plans, including a detailed submission from Isle of Harris Distillers expressing concern about potential contamination of its water supply during construction.

Planning officer Morag Ferguson told councillors that the developer had "full regard" for the concerns.

Neighbouring residents had also raised concerns about noise, disturbance, structural damage to properties, traffic impacts, and years of disruption during the ground work.

Planning officers acknowledged that some houses would experience permanent impacts from overlooking the site, as well as "significant" temporary noise and disturbance during rock excavation.

Councillors were told there were "robust" conditions in place to mitigate against impacts.

Reporting by local democracy journalist Peter Urpeth.