Plans for a 400-home development in Milton of Culloden, on the outskirts of Inverness, have been approved by Highland Council, despite significant local concerns over strained infrastructure and potential environmental impacts. The proposal, spearheaded by Springfield Properties, has sparked objections from community groups and businesses, including the Loch Ness Honey Company, which fears the project could disrupt its operations.
The 33-hectare site will include at least 25% affordable housing and aims to address the Highland Housing Challenge, which seeks to deliver 24,000 new homes over the next decade. However, Culloden Community Council has raised alarms about the development’s impact on already overstretched infrastructure. In a statement, they warned that “the excessively high demands on the medical, social, and educational infrastructure within the Culloden community are already known,” adding that the new housing would exacerbate these issues. They also highlighted concerns about flooding risks and the loss of valuable agricultural land.
Mark Card, founder of the Loch Ness Honey Company, expressed fears that construction noise and disturbances could disrupt queen bee breeding patterns critical to his business. The company manages over 125 hives producing Scottish black bee honey and supplies queen bees across the UK. “This housing development would disrupt our breeding program,” Card explained. “A newly-mated queen may be deterred from returning to her original hive, leading to a loss of stock.” He emphasised that such disruptions could make it “very challenging” for the business to continue at its current scale.
Springfield Properties has defended its plans, citing ecological surveys and commitments to biodiversity. Dave Main, managing director of Springfield Properties, stated: “We will implement the recommendations provided by experts and collaborate with all neighbours during construction to mitigate any environmental impacts”. The company also plans to include green spaces and active travel routes in the development.
While some see the project as a step toward addressing housing shortages in Inverness, others view it as a threat to local heritage and sustainability. The council’s conservation team criticised the lack of plans for restoring Stratton Lodge, a nearby B-listed building damaged by fire in 2013.
Meanwhile, Historic Environment Scotland has called for measures to protect archaeological features on-site.
The approved plans remain in their early stages, with detailed layouts and designs yet to be submitted. As construction moves forward, balancing housing needs with environmental and community concerns will be crucial.
