The completion of phase one of this development represented a significant milestone in what is planned to be a seven phase development by the Highland Council.
The initial phase, which was of mixed tenure, involved the construction of 32 Nr. semi-detached houses and 8 Nr. cottage flats but also included additional infrastructure works that primed the site for future phases of development via the implementation of:-
- Mains Services Diversions;
- Installation of Permanent Culvert;
- Formation of Site Wide Suds Pond;
- Off Site Roadworks/Traffic Calming.
The works, which were located on a greenfield site included significant arboricultural and environmental considerations recognising the need to conform to the constraints of the various reports and conditions that had been put in place as an integral part of the consenting process. Such considerations included tree protection measures, mitigation measures to ensure conflict with ground nesting birds was avoided and controlling water run-off to ensure that the condition of existing water courses was maintained.
Owing to the existing gradient which prevailed across the site significant land engineering was required to achieve the tiered platforms that the houses were located on, with significant ground retention being required to achieve the step-change in levels between properties.
Green credentials were once again to the fore on this development as, despite having mains gas running through the site, the client preferred the adoption of renewable and sustainable technologies achieved through the provision of enhanced insulation with air source heat pumps providing both heating and hot water.
