MOLRA

28/06/2026

⚠️ Planning Application 26/01817/FUL — Balvonie Terrace / Milton of Leys ⚠️

Residents may wish to comment on a new planning application submitted to Highland Council.

Application reference: **26/01817/FUL**

Proposal: **Er****on of office and distribution depot building with associated parking, yard space and wash bay**
Location: **Land 155m south-east of 5 Balvonie Terrace, Inverness**

The RA’s concern is not simply that a business use is being proposed. The concern is that this is a **distribution depot**, with yard space, vehicle movements, parking, loading activity and a wash bay. These uses can have impacts on nearby residents and the wider area if not properly assessed and controlled.

Residents may wish to comment on issues such as:

* traffic and road safety;
* delivery vehicle and van movements;
* noise from depot activity, loading, reversing alarms and wash bay use;
* hours of operation;
* external lighting;
* drainage and wash bay pollution risk;
* surface water and SUDS arrangements;
* protection of trees and landscaping;
* whether future expansion is being properly controlled;
* the wider pressure on Milton of Leys infrastructure.

To view or comment:

1. Go to the Highland Council planning portal:
**https://wam.highland.gov.uk**

2. Search for application reference:
**26/01817/FUL**

3. Open the application.

4. Select the option to submit a comment / representation.

5. Choose whether you wish to object, support, or make a general comment.

Please use your own words where possible. Even a short comment is helpful.

Suggested wording residents may wish to adapt:

“I am concerned that this proposal is for a distribution depot, not simply an office. Before any approval is granted, Highland Council should fully assess traffic, road safety, depot noise, hours of operation, lighting, wash bay drainage, surface water management, tree protection and any future expansion of the site. I do not believe the application should be approved unless these issues are properly assessed and controlled by clear planning conditions.”

Milton of Leys has already experienced significant development and ongoing infrastructure pressures. Residents should have the opportunity to make sure any further development is properly scrutinised.

Please comment if this affects you, your family or your local area.

28/06/2026

⚠️ Planning Application 26/02365/S42 — Milton of Leys / Macaskill Drive / A9 Interchange ⚠️

Residents may wish to comment on a new planning application submitted to Highland Council.

Application reference: 26/02365/S42

This is a Section 42 application seeking to develop without compliance with Condition 2C of planning permission 22/03219/PIP.

Condition 2C currently limits the build-out rate to no more than 30 homes per year, unless Highland Council agrees otherwise after consultation with Education Services and review of year-on-year school roll forecasts.

The RA’s concern is that this condition was put in place as a safeguard to ensure development proceeds in line with local infrastructure and primary school capacity. The condition already allows flexibility if Education Services and the Planning Authority agree that a higher build-out rate is acceptable. Removing it entirely would weaken that safeguard.

Residents can view the application and submit comments here:

http://wam.highland.gov.uk

How to comment:

Go to the Highland Council planning portal above.
Search for application reference: 26/02365/S42
Open the application.
Select the option to make a comment / submit representation.
You can object, support, or make a general comment.
Use your own words where possible.

Suggested points residents may wish to raise:

Condition 2C was imposed for a clear planning reason.
The condition protects school capacity and infrastructure planning.
The condition already allows Highland Council to approve a higher build-out rate if Education Services agree.
Removing the condition entirely removes the requirement for year-on-year review.
Milton of Leys and the surrounding area have already experienced significant housing growth without infrastructure keeping pace.
Residents remain concerned about school capacity, traffic, drainage, community facilities and long-term open space maintenance.
If Highland Council believes a higher build-out rate is acceptable, this should be considered year by year, not by removing the safeguard completely.

Comments should be submitted by 17 July 2026.

Please take a few minutes to comment if this affects you or your family.

In using the ePlanning web pages including all plans, drawings and other material that may be available on this site, you agree to abide by the terms of the Copyright notice for the Highland Council. When an application has been withdrawn no associated documents are visible.

08/05/2026

🌿 Community Litter Picks – Would you be interested?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been thinking about this for a while now — hopefully something really positive for the area.

👉 Would there be any interest in regular community litter picks in Milton of Leys?

🧠 The idea

To organise a monthly litter pick, run locally through the Residents’ Association, with support from the Council where possible (equipment, collection, etc.).

Nothing too formal — just:

a set day/time
a few bags and litter pickers
and anyone who fancies helping out for an hour or so

👥 Why it could work

It’s a simple way to:

keep the area looking its best
bring people together (even briefly)
and take a bit of pride in where we live

Even a small group makes a big difference.

📍 Where needs attention?

It would be really helpful to know:

👉 Which areas do you think need the most attention?

paths
green spaces
roadside areas
anywhere you’ve noticed it building up
👍 No pressure — just gauging interest

At this stage, I’m just trying to get a feel for:

whether people would be interested
which days and times suit best
and where we should focus on first

Even if you can’t make it regularly, the odd helping hand would be great.

👉 If this sounds like something you’d support, or you’ve spotted areas that need attention, drop a comment below 👍

08/05/2026

📣 A quick thought on planning applications (and why they matter)

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share something that comes up time and time again when new planning applications are submitted.

It’s very easy to think:

👉 “Someone else will comment on it”
👉 “It won’t make a difference anyway”
👉 “The Council will just approve it regardless”

And to be honest — those are understandable thoughts.

🧠 But here’s the reality

Planning decisions are influenced by:

the number of individual comments
the issues raised
and whether concerns are clearly put on record

If no one comments, or only a handful of people do:

👉 it can appear that there are no significant local concerns

⚖️ It’s not about stopping everything

This isn’t about objecting to all development.

It’s about:

making sure infrastructure is considered
raising concerns about safety, traffic, schools, etc.
and making sure decisions are made with full awareness of local impact
👥 A small number makes a big difference

It doesn’t take hundreds of people.

Even:

5–10 individual comments
raising similar concerns

👉 can change how an application is assessed

💬 It only takes a couple of minutes

You don’t need to write anything long.

Even a short comment:

highlights an issue
shows local interest
and becomes part of the official record

📣 Why it matters

Decisions about the area:

shape traffic
affect schools
impact safety
and define how the community grows

👉 and once they’re made, they’re very difficult to reverse

👍 Final thought

Even if it feels like it won’t change anything:

👉 having your say is always better than saying nothing at all

If you ever need help submitting a comment or want a quick template, just ask 👍

03/05/2026

🌿 Milton of Leys Residents’ Association (MOLRA)

Hi everyone,

You may have seen a few recent posts about planning applications, housing developments, and infrastructure in the area.

So it felt like a good time to properly introduce:

👉 Milton of Leys Residents’ Association (MOLRA)

🧠 What is MOLRA?

MOLRA is simply a way for residents to:

• stay informed about what’s happening locally

• raise concerns where needed

• have a collective voice on issues that affect the area

That includes things like:

• planning applications

• traffic and road safety

• school capacity

• open space and long-term maintenance

⚖️ What MOLRA is (and isn’t)

We’re not against development.

But we do believe that:
👉 growth should be matched by infrastructure and proper planning

👥 Why it matters

A lot of decisions that affect Milton of Leys:

• happen quietly

• move quickly

• and don’t always get much local input

Even a small number of residents taking an interest can:

• bring more scrutiny

• improve outcomes

• make sure local voices are heard

💬 Get involved (as much or as little as you like)

You don’t need to commit to anything formal.

Even:

• reading posts

• sharing information

• or submitting a quick planning comment

👉 all helps

📣 Moving forward

I’ll continue sharing:

• updates on local developments

• key issues affecting the area

• and ways to have your say when it matters

👉 If you care about what happens in Milton of Leys, you’re already part of it.

29/04/2026

📣 Housing Growth in the Highlands – A Balanced View

Hi everyone,

You may have seen recent posts highlighting the need for increased housing development across the Highlands.

It’s important to say clearly:

👉 No one is against housing or investment in the area.

Housing growth brings:

economic opportunities
jobs
and supports local communities
⚖️ But there is another side to this

As a community, many of us are experiencing the impact of:

increased pressure on roads and traffic
school capacity concerns
strain on local infrastructure
uncertainty around long-term maintenance of open space

🧠 A key question

👉 Is growth being matched by infrastructure?

The Residents’ Association Chair has been looking at this in more detail, and has put together a short paper exploring how housing development and infrastructure provision have aligned across the Highlands:

📄 Growth Without Capacity? Housing Development and Infrastructure in the Highlands (2004–2025)
👉 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mWUsBRmfc4PFo0js8QAKeLSbYtYz2nbdMd-MCgH4F3s/edit?usp=sharing

🔍 Why this matters

The paper highlights a consistent issue:

Development often moves ahead faster than the infrastructure needed to support it.

🎯 What we are saying

This isn’t about stopping development.

It’s about ensuring that:

infrastructure keeps pace with growth
planning frameworks are properly implemented
communities are supported as they expand

💬 Have your say

There are currently a number of planning applications affecting the area.

If you have concerns or views, it’s important to submit a comment — even a short one helps ensure local voices are heard.

🤝 A balanced approach

Growth is important.

But so is:

planning properly
delivering infrastructure
and maintaining transparency

👉 Getting that balance right is what really matters for the long-term future of our area.

Growth without capacity Housing Development and Infrastructure in the Highlands (2001–2024) This paper is based on publicly available information at the time of writing. Executive Summary Overview This paper examines the relationship between housing development and infrastructure provision acros.....

29/04/2026

📣 Reminder – Planning Application 26/01339/FUL (Milton of Leys)

Hi everyone,

Just a quick reminder about the current planning application for housing at Milton of Leys (Ref: 26/01339/FUL).

This proposal raises a number of concerns, including:

increased pressure on roads and traffic in the area
impact on school and local infrastructure capacity
road safety, particularly near existing residential areas

There is also an important point that this land was originally identified for community use, rather than residential development.

⚠️ Why this matters

If you have concerns about:

loss of land intended for community use
traffic and road safety
pressure on local infrastructure

👉 it’s important to submit a comment.

📝 How to comment (takes 2–3 minutes):
Go to: https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=TCPSELIHICG00&activeTab=summary
Search: 26/01339/FUL
Click “Comment on this application”
📊 Important

If enough individual comments are submitted, the application can be reviewed by the Planning Committee rather than decided under delegated powers.

👉 This gives the application more detailed scrutiny.

📄 Simple objection (copy & paste):

I wish to object to this application.

The Milton of Leys area has already experienced significant housing growth, and existing infrastructure is under increasing pressure, including roads, schools, and healthcare services.

This development would add further cumulative pressure without clear evidence that infrastructure capacity is sufficient.

I am also concerned about road safety and increased traffic in residential areas.

In addition, I understand that this land was originally identified for community use, and its loss for residential development raises further concern.

For these reasons, I request that the application is refused or subject to further detailed assessment.

[Name]
[Address]

Even a short comment makes a difference. If possible make a few changes to make each objection unique and individual.

👉 If you have concerns, please take a few minutes to have your say.

24/04/2026

📣 New Development Proposal – Access Through Milton of Leys Cul-de-Sac

Hi everyone,

A new housing development (approx. 165 houses) is being proposed between Milton of Leys and Inshes.

👉 The key issue is this:

The development is proposing to use an existing quiet cul-de-sac in Milton of Leys as an access road.

⚠️ Why this is a concern
A cul-de-sac is designed for low traffic, local access only
This would introduce significant additional traffic
It would effectively turn a quiet residential street into a through road

This raises concerns about:

🚗 Traffic volume
🚸 Safety for children and pedestrians
🔊 Noise and loss of residential character
🏗️ Pressure on already stretched infrastructure
📝 You can comment on this

If you have concerns, you can submit a comment to Highland Council:

Go to: https://www.highland.gov.uk/planning/view-comment-planning-applications
Search for the application reference
Click “Comment on this application”
📄 Simple objection (copy & paste): Please make some tweaks as individual comments have greater strength.

I wish to object to this application.

The proposal to use an existing residential cul-de-sac as access for a large development is inappropriate.

A cul-de-sac is designed for low traffic and local residential use, not as a primary access route for a development of this scale.

This would introduce significant additional traffic, creating safety risks for pedestrians and fundamentally changing the character of the area.

Given these concerns, I request that the application is refused.

[Name]
[Address]

Even a short comment makes a difference — the more individual responses, the more seriously this will be considered.

👉 This directly affects our area — it’s worth taking a few minutes to have your say.

Use Highland Council Public Access to view and comment on planning applications

24/04/2026

📣 Important Update – Developer Contributions Being Reduced?

Hi everyone,

There is currently a proposal to reduce the amount a developer has to pay towards local school infrastructure for a large housing development in the area (Ref: 19/05179/FUL).

In simple terms:

👉 The developer originally agreed to contribute towards primary school capacity (Hilton Primary)
👉 They are now asking to pay less, based on current school roll forecasts

⚠️ Why this matters
School capacity can change over time
Multiple developments all add pressure
If contributions are reduced now, there is a risk that:
future demand won’t be properly funded
infrastructure will fall behind development

👉 Once these contributions are reduced, they are very difficult to recover later

📝 You can comment on this

If you think infrastructure should be properly funded before development continues, you can submit a comment:

Go to: https://www.highland.gov.uk/planning/view-comment-planning-applications
Search: 19/05179/FUL
Click “Comment on this application”
📄 Simple objection (copy & paste):

I wish to object to the proposed modification of the Section 75 agreement.

The reduction in education contributions appears to be based on short-term school roll forecasts, which may change over time.

Given the level of ongoing development in the area, it is important that infrastructure contributions are maintained to ensure sufficient capacity in the future.

Reducing contributions at this stage risks underfunding education provision and placing additional pressure on local services.

For these reasons, I request that the proposed modification is refused.

[Name]
[Address]

Even a short comment helps — the more individual responses, the more seriously this will be considered.

👉 This is about making sure development is properly supported, not just built.

Use Highland Council Public Access to view and comment on planning applications

24/04/2026

📣 Planning Application 26/01339/FUL – Have Your Say

Hi everyone,

A new housing development has been proposed in Milton of Leys (Ref: 26/01339/FUL).

If you have concerns about:

traffic
school capacity
drainage
or long-term maintenance of open space

👉 you can submit a comment to Highland Council — it only takes a few minutes.

📝 How to comment:
Go to: https://www.highland.gov.uk/planning/view-comment-planning-applications
Search: 26/01339/FUL
Click “Comment on this application”
Paste the text below (Please feel free to tweak it slightly)

📄 Copy & paste objection:

I wish to object to this application.

The Milton of Leys area has already experienced significant housing growth, and existing infrastructure is under increasing pressure, including roads, schools, and healthcare services.

In particular:

The Inshes–Raigmore corridor already experiences congestion at peak times
Local schools, including Millburn Academy, are at or near capacity
This development would add further cumulative pressure

I am also concerned about road safety, particularly due to the site’s proximity to a nursery and increased traffic during drop-off and pick-up times.

There is also a lack of clarity regarding long-term maintenance of open spaces and infrastructure, which has been an issue in previous developments.

For these reasons, I request that the application is refused or subject to further detailed assessment.

[Name]
[Address]

Even a short comment makes a difference — the more individual responses, the more seriously concerns are taken.

👉 This is a chance to have a say in what happens in our area. If we don’t speak up, decisions will be made without reflecting local concerns.